What about all the groups that have spent centuries in poverty? How do you explain that?
Most people lived in poverty until the 20th century.
Some people can get out of a poverty mindset, but it’s nothing we should excuse off as being easy. My wife came from a poor family, I came from a middle class family. Our most common arguments about finances revolve around spending or saving new money. I want to save it, pay off debts, or invest in retirement. She wants to spend it or give it away to someone else. Trying to break her out of that mindset is very challenging.
On the flipside, I have a friend (African-American) who left New Orleans after Katrina who was also raised in poverty. He got a job here, met his wife here, and has never looked back. Almost like a light switch, he was able to adapt and flourish. Sometimes people get it, but for most, it is a long slow road that requires constant accountability from peers.