On the Issue of Poverty in Pursuit of Class Relations

Abstract

This paper examines the limitations of discussing the problem of poverty from a hierarchical perspective only (hierarchical poverty theory). In addition, it demonstrates the importance of class-based arguments (class-based poverty theory). Committing to a hierarchical debate indicates an attitude that excludes a capital–labor relationship perspective when debating about issues related to poverty. This paper considers the following negative aspects of a hierarchical theory of poverty: (1) its inability to criticize the self-responsibility theory of poverty; (2) its inability to resist the logic of “governance” by capital but rather showing a tendency to encourage it; and (3) its inability to relativize value norms in favor of capital but rather showing a tendency to encourage it. In contrast, class-based poverty theory has the potential to overcome these problems. By discussing these possibilities, we can contribute to the social movement for the fundamental eradication of poverty.