Which theories of poverty suggest that shortcomings of the poor, rather than a lack of opportunities, cause poverty?

The individual theories of poverty primarily focus on the belief that personal attributes, decisions, and characteristics of individuals contribute significantly to their economic status. This perspective implies that poverty results from the failings or shortcomings of the poor themselves rather than external systemic factors or barriers. Within this framework, theories often highlight issues such as lack of education, poor choices, or personal habits that lead to continued poverty.

This viewpoint stands in contrast to structural theories, which emphasize the social and economic systems that perpetuate poverty, and cultural theories, which may attribute poverty to the values and norms of specific groups. Systemic theories also look at broader institutional factors affecting poverty. Individual theories, however, concentrate on the individual rather than the environment, thereby framing poverty as a result of personal responsibility or lacking virtues rather than systemic inequities or societal disadvantages.