Cycle of Poverty

I recently read in Wikipedia:

The cycle of poverty has been defined as a phenomenon where poor families become trapped in poverty for at least three generations. These families have either limited or no resources. There are many disadvantages that collectively work in a circular process making it virtually impossible for individuals to break the cycle. This occurs when poor people do not have the resources necessary to get out of poverty, such as financial capital, education, or connections. In other words, poverty-stricken individuals experience disadvantages as a result of their poverty, which in turn increases their poverty. This would mean that the poor remain poor throughout their lives. This cycle has also been referred to as a "pattern" of behaviors and situations which cannot easily be changed. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycle_of_poverty)

This is yet another vicious cycle that entraps many people to their current state of misfortune. While the government has tried many relief programs as an effort to break this cycle, it is surprising to see that the result of such program is very limited.

So, what is the way out? I am not an expert in Socioeconomy, but I might suggest we begin by framing the problem properly.

Is the problem the number of poor people, or is the problem the lack of production / work done by these people? Is the problem lack of job availability, or is the problem lack of willingness to equip oneself to become relevant in the job market?

Different problem statement creates different perspective. Different perspective will lead us to a different approach to break this cycle.

Note: This entry was first posted on my previous blog which I lost.