Both families were poor. The main differences among families is that the Cunninghams were respected than the Ewells. In the book, the Cunnighams also singled out for being poor farmers. The family has also been described as decent and honest. On the other hand, the Ewells are described in a complete opposite to Cunninghams' positive traits. Even, Atticus himself claims that they have been disgrace to Maycomb for three generations. The family has been described as dishonest, dirty and as a "white trash".