It has been decided that the causes of poverty varied depending on the investigator. "Only one conclusion was possible: that experiments along this line were primarily of interest in relation to the psychology of visitors" (Brandt 2). Two new classifications were then created for defining the causes of poverty in society: (1) Circumstances within the family and (2) Circumstances outside of the family.
Several factors fall under the heading of "within the family." Disregard of family ties; intemperance; licentiousness, dishonesty or other moral defects; lack of thrift, industry or judgment; physical or mental defects; sickness, accident or death can all be classified under the heading of "within the family." Lack of education for both boys and girls and instability of employment are both effects of the disregard of family ties. It is often the case that a person who does not feel a bond to the family will tend to be undereducated and have a problem holding a steady job. Under intemperance we see poor food, congested living, and a lack of opportunities for wholesome recreation. Licentiousness is often replaced with ineffective penal codes and lack of education. However, with all of these causes, one of the major contributing factors to poverty within the family is often lack of industry, thrift or judgment. This is a direct effect of the laziness and shiftlessness that has taken over most societies today (Nymeyer 2). Sickness is a direct effect of poor sanitary conditions in congested cities, contamination of water, and the inability for parents to properly feed their children. Accidents are the result of poor working conditions and a lack of safety provided by employers. Lastly, still falling under the heading of "within the family" is death. Due to many of the conditions previously mentioned (i.e. unsanitary conditions, unsafe working environments) death often leaves families without their primary source of income.