Differentiating between internal and external “causes” (or aspects) of destitution is a challenge, because sometimes it is difficult to determine whether an issue is internal or external: the criterion then used is “where does it mostly function?” It is also difficult to determine what comes first, because most often one cause leads to another, and so on, in a spiral, or chain reaction. Not knowing what came first necessitates a holistic approach that addresses the whole system of issues associated with destitution.
Both those issues that function internally from the “inside-out” (where factors operating inside an individual impact on her or his outside situation), as well as those issues that function externally, from the “outside-in” (where factors functioning from outside the person affect that person on the inside), work together dynamically in a system. In order to really help the destitute, we must direct our efforts at the system promoting the problem of destitution, meaning we must follow a holistic systems approach.
W “Inside”
Causes and issues of destitution that function mostly from” Inside” a person to promote destitution interact dynamically with external causes
e can illustrate this “system” as follows:
“Outside”
Causes and issues of destitution that functions mostly from “Outside” a person to promote destitution
These issues interact dynamically with internal issues
Outside
The “Inside – Outside” system approach developed here postulates a dynamic interaction between the different causes and factors contributing to destitution. Using the different theories explored already in this chapter, causes are pinpointed and categorized. The following table should make this clearer:
“A family is none the less poor for having arrived at that state of its own accord. Similarly, the fact that an individual could with modest and reasonable effort escape from poverty has nothing to do with whether he[sic] is currently poor.” 4 The statement is ambiguous, yet demonstrates clearly the ambivalent fact that on the one hand we face the physical reality of people who are poor, and become destitute (whether because of internal factors such as their own wrong choices, mistakes etc., or owing to external factors outside of their control), while on the other hand we simultaneously experience the reality of people who stay poor, even though they can escape their situation, maybe because they are unwilling to make choices towards positive change, or because they have not been empowered enough (with knowledge, life skills etc.) to change and escape the poverty trap, or because of personal irresponsibility.
A closer look at the variety of causal factors involved should promote a better understanding of the often ambiguous realities faced by helpers engaging the destitute.