It is extremely difficult for a low-income family to change their circumstance because of the “culture of poverty.” Because poor families “have lived so long under such miserable conditions, many come to develop attitudes, practices, and self-conception that inhibit to improve their life prospects” or that of their children” (Shelby 8). Children in poorer families are especially vulnerable to succumbing to these negative influences, making it increasingly more difficult for them to break the poverty cycle, keeping them in the poor sector and inhibiting their ability to become successful. Parents want what is best for their children, but because of the culture of poverty, they often are prevented from changing their circumstances. Without outside aid, children acquire their parents’ circumstances automatically. So from the very beginning of a child’s life, because of societal and institutional inequalities that contribute to the culture of poverty, children in poorer families are ill-fated and lack the resources necessary to become successful, regardless of ability or aspiration.