The 13 positive functions of the Underserving Poor are completely interrelated and all piggy back off one another. The circumstances that many of them come into play is in direct result to lack of resources and support. Some are more positive then the others.
1. Risk reduction
2. Scapegoating and displacement
3. Economic banishment and the reserve army of labor
4. Supplying illegal goods
5. Job creation
6. Moral legitimation
7. Norm reinforcement
8. Supplying popular culture villains
9. Institutional scapegoating
10. Conservative power shifting
11. Spatial purification
12. Reproduction of stigma and the stigmatized
13. Extermination of the surplus
In the explanations of each of these functions, the author Herbert J. Gans was able to show us how the underserving poor live their lives but how each of these functions work in or out of favor to those that are not necessarily poor. Whether it is proven or just a theory but POVERTY is the biggest issue in the world and is not getting better as we progress everyday. One of the most important factors that will make or break us in each society is education. I am not only referring to schooling but understanding and education others about right and wrong, true and false and cultural competency. Unemployment is taking its toll negatively, virus's and illnesses are changing everyday some we know more about and reduction factors but everything is constantly changing.
I like in the last paragraph of the document amount the exaggeration of the actual dangers that stem from the poor. Are their actual dangers or just a conflict in opinion and norms and values? People from a poorer class are in no way trying to bring upon danger to themselves or their surroundings but I feel danger will always come into play with the individuals that have the constant need and desire to be better than one another. It is healthy to have some competition and to strive for a better life but not when it comes to putting yourself or other people in danger.
Who knows what the big issue will be next.
As long as there are people living in poverty and "hope of a second chance" there will always be those who will take advantage of the less fortunate and make themselves look better. The poor are always looked down upon and no matter how they may try to make good for themselves there is always those who will shun them. There is this unequal balance between the classes and as sad as it sounds I think there always be. The two positive functions that I think could really make the most difference are job creation and scapegoating and displacement.
You are correct that the "most important factor that will make or break us in each society is education." What I think you mean by "education" is actually "socialization." Which is how we teach each other to behave in society. If we (as a society/culture) placed more importance on educating each other to treat the poor better, then we would. But that is the point of this article. As a society the more fortunate (rich) use the poor in the 13 ways outlined.
ReplyDeleteYou are also right on the money with "are their actual dangers or just a conflict in opinion and norms and values?" It is the conflict in opinion between the rich and poor that creates such a large gap between them.
Excellent post as always!! :-)