The concept that 'when poverty is transmitted over generations it becomes a culture' refers to the idea of a 'culture of poverty,' a controversial but influential theory first articulated by anthropologist Oscar Lewis in the 1960s. This theory suggests that prolonged and systemic poverty can lead to the development of a distinct subculture with specific attitudes, behaviors, and social structures that, once established, tend to perpetuate poverty across generations, independent of the initial structural causes.

Elucidation of the 'Culture of Poverty' Concept:

According to Lewis, the culture of poverty is not merely a collection of individual traits but a response to a set of common problems faced by the poor. It is a way of life that emerges in communities experiencing chronic poverty, characterized by a sense of hopelessness and marginalization. These characteristics are then passed down from parents to children through socialization.

Key Characteristics and Manifestations:

1. Fatalism and Hopelessness: Individuals within this culture often develop a sense of powerlessness and fatalism, believing that their situation is unchangeable and that they have little control over their destiny. This can lead to a lack of motivation for long-term planning, education, or career advancement.

2. Present-Time Orientation: There is a strong emphasis on immediate gratification and living for the present, rather than saving, investing, or planning for the future. This is often a rational response to an unpredictable environment where future prospects seem bleak.

3. Distrust of Institutions: A pervasive distrust of mainstream institutions such as government, police, schools, and even formal healthcare systems is common. This stems from historical experiences of neglect, discrimination, or exploitation by these institutions.

4. Weak Family Structures: Family units may be less stable, with higher rates of single-parent households, early initiation into sexual activity, and a lack of sustained commitment in relationships. Children may be socialized into these patterns.

5. Limited Aspirations: Due to a perceived lack of opportunities and role models, individuals may have lower educational and career aspirations, reinforcing the cycle of low-skill, low-wage employment.

6. Marginalization and Isolation: A feeling of being outside the mainstream society, coupled with a lack of participation in formal organizations, can lead to social isolation and a reinforcement of the subculture's norms.

7. Informal Economy: Reliance on informal, often illicit, economic activities (e.g., petty crime, begging, informal labor) may become a primary means of survival, further entrenching individuals outside the formal economic system.

Mechanisms of Transmission Across Generations:

• Socialization: Children growing up in this environment internalize the attitudes, values, and behaviors of their parents and community, learning to cope with poverty in ways that may inadvertently perpetuate it.
• Lack of Resources: Limited access to quality education, nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare directly impacts children's development and future opportunities.
• Structural Barriers: Even if individuals try to escape, systemic barriers like discrimination, lack of job opportunities, and inadequate social safety nets can make upward mobility extremely difficult.
• Psychological Impact: Chronic stress, trauma, and mental health issues associated with prolonged poverty can impair cognitive function and decision-making, making it harder to break the cycle.

Critiques and Nuances:

The 'culture of poverty' theory has faced significant criticism. Critics argue that it 'blames the victim' by focusing on the cultural traits of the poor rather than the structural causes of poverty, such as economic inequality, lack of opportunities, systemic discrimination, and inadequate social policies. They contend that the behaviors observed are adaptive responses to deprivation, not inherent cultural deficiencies. While the concept highlights how prolonged deprivation can shape psychological and social patterns, it is crucial to recognize that these are often consequences, not primary causes, of poverty.

Conclusion: While the term 'culture of poverty' is debated, it underscores how deeply entrenched poverty can influence social norms, aspirations, and behaviors within communities, making escape challenging. Addressing this requires a dual approach: tackling the structural inequalities and systemic barriers that create and sustain poverty, while also implementing interventions that empower individuals and communities to overcome the psychological and social legacies of intergenerational deprivation.