IntroductionPoverty is determined by the amount of income produced by a family before taxes; if this amount is below the threshold determined by the government, they are then considered poor (Schriver, 2011). Poverty refers to individuals who are at the bottom of the income distribution and are unable to provide the basic needs necessary to maintain a healthy life. Schriver (2011) stated that poverty is experienced more by African Americans than white Americans and that 91 percent compared to 52.6 percent will experience some type of poverty throughout their lives. According to Schriver (2011), poverty is a direct result of the barriers that prevent an individual from obtaining a good education, maintaining optimal health throughout their life, accessing resources, and being subjected to violence and abuse (Schriver, 2011). This view has been confirmed by findings that show that poverty is more prevalent when it comes to single-parent families, racial inequality, economic insecurity, and infant mortality (Schriver, 2011). According to Schiller (2008), public opinion polls show that Americans view poverty as one of the most important problems facing the nation and it is seen as getting worse every year. However, Americans' current attitude toward poverty is best described as indecisive, and polls reveal that 70 to 80 percent believe that anyone who is poor can overcome poverty by working hard (Schiller, 2008). The purpose of this article will be to discuss the problems related to poverty and whether the poor are responsible for their poverty. The conservative perspective will be used to show how the poor are viewed and whether this perspective continues to oppose...... middle of article......, LD (2001). The influence of perceived merit on policy decisions regarding helping the poor. Political Psychology, 22(3), 419-442.doi:10.1111/0162-895X.00248Gilbert, N., and Terrell, P. (2013). Dimensions of social protection policy. (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Jansson, B. (2012). The reluctant welfare state. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Schriver, J.M. (2011). Human behavior and the social environment: paradigm shifts in the knowledge essential to social work practice (5th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. Schiller, B. (2008). The economics of poverty and discrimination. (10th ed.). UpperSaddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Zastrow, C., & Kirst-Ashman, K. (2013). Introduction to Human Behavior and the Social Environment (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thompson-Brooks/Cole.