The relationship between the poverty culture and social assistance: The Istanbul example

The culture of poverty is a subculture that has developed as an alternative to the dominant culture, particularly in shantytowns shaped by migration in urban areas. The first study on this culture was Oscar Lewis's studies in shantytowns in Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, which established his theory and identified the elements of a culture of poverty. In Turkey, Orhan Türkdoğan's studies in shantytowns in Erzurum province first identified the presence of elements of a culture of poverty. Studies on the culture of poverty are limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social assistance and the culture of poverty. Given the limited number of studies in the literature on the relationship between social service centers and social assistance, the study aims to fill this gap by conducting a study in the shantytowns of Şişli, Beyoğlu, Sultangazi, Sultanbeyli, and Sancaktepe districts of Istanbul. Qualitative research methods were employed in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with professionals and beneficiaries of social assistance, audio recordings were taken, and extensive field photography and descriptions were conducted. Field findings were analyzed and evaluated using MAXQDA 24.5. The results of studies support this idea. The study reveals the existence of a distinct culture distinct from the dominant culture, one that shares elements similar to the culture of poverty and is passed down from generation to generation. This culture is characterized by single parenthood, unmarried partnerships, crime, violence, precarious employment, and individuals living in crowded, one-room households. The link between poverty and social assistance is that social assistance does not contribute to the capabilities of beneficiaries, integrated efforts are inadequate, and social assistance and solidarity foundations and social service centers are inadequate in combating the culture of poverty.