Beliefs about the Motivation of the Poor and Attitudes toward Poverty Policy

Abstract

The thesis that ideological beliefs about the poor and about poverty policy are in large measure a function of economic self-interest is examined. Socioeconomic status is best described as a consistent, but weak predictor of beliefs about the motivation of the poor and of support for greater efforts to aid the poor. What have generally been referred to as middle-class misconceptions about the motivation of the poor are often held by the poor themselves. Evidence is presented indicating that a marked decrease in extent of commitment to the work ethic could have a substantial impact on beliefs about the poor and the extent of support for efforts to reduce the degree of economic inequality.