Correct--case or generic theories

Correct--case or generic theories

1. Remember that the things that cause poverty in case theories explain its distribution in generic theories. Because of this, both theories are consistent with the same facts (statistics). Therefore, it is very difficult, maybe impossible, to determine which is correct through direct test.


2. There's some indirect evidence pointing to generic theories: For example, there is the failure of poverty to fall during periods of large training programs, and the failure of poverty to fall with rise in general educational level of population. Further indirect evidence later on in the course.


3. Most people assume case theories are correct. Why?

• Micro experience (fallacy of composition -- assuming that what's true of the part must be true of the whole).

• Poverty scholars study the poor instead of the economy.

• Antipoverty policy would be too hard (expensive) if generic theories were true.

• Blaming the victim.

• A desire to help the poor. (P.S. If generic theories are true, how can you help the poor?)