Once poor, always poor?
&gt; Cultural norms can also encourage poverty cycles.<p>I often wonder about these.<p>Growing up I watched friends whose families had what you might describe as a cultural distrust of institutions, including schools, or even anyone who seemed to “think they’re better than us” (translation anyone who did well in school or a career).<p>They constantly made self defeating choices and seemed destined to have the same problems&#x2F; poverty as their parents.<p>Their distrust of institutions like schools could maybe be justified… but they were capable people who made choices that reduced their opportunities.<p>As an adult I watch my local schools reach out to provide services, help of all kinds and struggle to find  more than a handful of takers or folks who want to try…<p>By no means does that mean there are no other barriers, but even trying to address those barriers&#x2F; help, you can encounter some surprising resistance&#x2F; challenges.