Welfare and Generational Poverty: A Complex Relationship

Does the US welfare system contribute to generational poverty? The answer, as I've experienced, is complicated and multifaceted. It is not a straightforward binary; rather, it is a nuanced system that can both perpetuate and alleviate poverty, depending on the circumstances and choices of individuals.

Case Study in Balinese Migrant

Bali, an island in Indonesia, is a place of stark contrasts. I met a young woman from Canada who had an intriguing story about the US welfare system and how it influenced her life. Her mother had relied on welfare, and the young woman had also gone on welfare soon after graduating high school in 1986. She shared some practical tips on how to navigate the system, such as paying for car repairs with checks that cleared before taking the car, which illustrated a form of welfare dependence.

Surviving on Welfare

This young woman was proud of her ability to survive on the welfare system. She lacked ambition and seemed content with the support she received. However, her experience also highlights the potential for dependency and a lack of motivation. Despite the government always having 'more,' her continued reliance on welfare left her feeling unfulfilled.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Her aunt saw the situation and made a move to break the cycle of dependency. She provided the young woman with a ticket to Australia, hoping to give her a new start and the opportunity to build a better future. This intervention by an aunt or family member can have a significant impact on an individual's life trajectory, but in this case, the woman chose to marry a Balinese man and live a life without jobs. Her decision to stay with the man and eventually leave for Australia with a new companion underscores the role of personal choice in perpetuating or breaking the cycle of poverty.

A Different Perspective

Contrasting with the story of the Balinese woman, I was raised in poverty but not in welfare. My family was taught to work hard and improve ourselves, not to rely on government support. This dichotomy highlights the importance of the role of education and work ethic in generational poverty.

Breaking the Cycle through Education and Work Ethic

The second story comes from a woman whose mother was badly hurt by her father, leading to a sudden move and a new beginning. The mother found work, and the oldest daughter, who became pregnant at 15 and had a child at 16, was able to return to school. The mother continued to work and eventually, when the daughter quit her job to stay at home, she had no choice but to apply for welfare to support her daughter as she finished high school. This move by the mother was aimed at ensuring that her daughter had a better future.

The cycle of poverty was eventually broken when the daughter went to work and achieved a six-figure salary. While both stories show the impact of welfare, they also highlight the role of personal choices and support systems in breaking the cycle of poverty. The difference lies in the ability and willingness of individuals to work for a better future, often with the help and support of family and systemic changes.

Conclusion

The US welfare system is a complex issue that can both perpetuate and alleviate generational poverty. It is essential to understand the context of the individuals involved and the choices they make to fully comprehend its impact. Family support, education, and a work ethic are crucial factors in breaking the cycle of poverty. Ultimately, while welfare can play a role in perpetuating dependency, the true driver of generational poverty is often the lack of opportunities and will to change.