Perceptions of poverty and the perpetuation of the capability-judgment cycle in outer southeast Melbourne

Abstract

People living in poverty are subject to assumptions and stereotypes which, whether inaccurate, harmful, or misguided, can impact empowerment and capability building. This research explores perceptions relating specifically to people in poverty in outer southeast Melbourne suburbs. Perceptions of 218 non-poor respondents are compared with the perceptions of 52 poor respondents. Poor respondents describe themselves before discussing impacts of negative non-poor perceptions. Findings demonstrate that the non-poor tend to view the poor negatively and that these judgments have adverse impacts on those in poverty. Non-poor perceptions in this study are shown to influence the perpetuation of poverty by contributing to a cause and effect capability-judgment cycle. This cycle illustrates how non-poor views impact emotional and material wellbeing of the poor and influence policy, programs, and poverty discourse in ways which further reduce the capabilities of the poor to achieve valued ends.

Keywords:

• Capability approach
• labeling theory
• othering
• poverty
• perceptions

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Dr. Anthony Ware from Deakin University for his support, direction and wisdom in regards to this research. Also thank you to Kimberley Whitcher Wormald, Dr. Vicki Ware, and the anonymous peer reviewers for their time and expertise.