The Poverty Trap

In my counselling, I continually come across what is called the Poverty Trap. That is, people are "locked in" to their social status, and are unable to escape. However, I find that this works all the way up and down the social strata. "Where is your ID?" Poverty trap. "Show us your credit card." Poverty trap. "You need R10 000 combined salary." Poverty trap (so to speak). "Send us three years' IT3B's." Poverty trap. OBSERVATION: Much of this may be, or may seem to be, justified. However, the reality is, there is a Poverty Trap, and it may be powerful.