Final answer:
The cycle of disadvantage refers to the perpetuation of poverty and inequality due to the circumstances under which a person grows up. It highlights how socio-economic factors and limited opportunities can perpetuate poverty and inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cycle of disadvantage refers to the perpetuation of poverty and inequality due to the circumstances under which a person grows up. It is a cycle in which individuals who are born into disadvantaged backgrounds often face limited access to quality education, healthcare, and other resources, which impacts their opportunities and economic outcomes throughout their lives.
For example, one child who attends a well-run grade school and high school, and receives support from their parents for college, tends to have better economic outcomes compared to another child who attends a poorly run school, lacks family support, and does not have access to higher education. The latter child's opportunities, job prospects, and overall economic well-being are likely to be negatively affected due to the disadvantageous circumstances they face.
Ultimately, the cycle of disadvantage highlights how socio-economic factors and limited opportunities can perpetuate poverty and inequality, creating challenges for individuals to overcome and break free from their disadvantaged backgrounds.