Why the poor are poor: Barriers, bad choices and bad luck

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Their experiences suggest that a combination of institutionalised barriers, dubious choices and sheer bad luck all contribute to a family's deepening into poverty.

But after setting aside money for medical bills, rent, groceries and expenses for their two teenage girls, there is little left for long-term plans.

Some say that bad choices can cause people to sink further into poverty.

Some have questioned his choice to spend on cigarettes too, but Mr Chong says it is his only coping mechanism for the pressure of providing for his family.

Factors beyond their control play a role in how the lives of the poor pan out too. These include medical issues like those that plague Madam June's and Mr Chong's families, and divorce as in the case of Ms Rosilah.....We should also recognise there are other causes of poverty that are not within the control of the people in poverty like misfortune, bad luck, illnesses, job loss."

Qn: 'Poverty is a result of personal failure.' To what extent is this true of your society?