LEWIS, OSCAR & MALLETTE DEAN — The Lost Years a Biographical Fantasy

New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1951. 1st Edition; 1st Printing. Hardcover. Illustrated by Mallette Dean. B&W Illustrations; This book is in Very Good+ condition and has a Very Good- dust jacket. The book is in generally clean, bright condition. The spine ends and corners of the book covers have some bumping, rubbing and wear. The text pages are generally clean and bright, though there is some light generalized toning throughout. The dust jacket has edge wear, small (ish) edge tears, nicks and spots of chipping (especially to the spine ends, corners and top front edge. "Lewis is best known for his "Culture of Poverty" social theory: The theory states that being subjected to conditions of poverty, will lead to a culture adapted thereto, characterized by pervasive feelings of helplessness, dependency, and powerlessness. Furthermore, Lewis describes individuals living within a culture of poverty, as lacking or having limited means or knowledge to alleviate their inferior social status, focusing instead on their current needs. Nevertheless, the theory acknowledges factors leading to initial poverty, such as lack of available fair employment opportunities, proper free schooling, with decent social services and available standard housing. Thus, for Lewis, the mere imposition of poverty on a needy disadvantaged population, is the structural cause of specific cultural nature." (from Wikipedia). Very Good+ in Very Good- dust jacket .