Final answer:
A self-fulfilling prophecy is a belief that leads to its own fulfillment. It can contribute to poverty if negative stereotypes and expectations limit opportunities for individuals. For example, if someone believes that all individuals in poverty are lazy, they may be less likely to support policies aimed at providing assistance or creating economic opportunities for them.
Step-by-step explanation:
A self-fulfilling prophecy is a belief that leads to its own fulfillment. It is when a person's expectations or beliefs about a situation influence their behavior in a way that causes the belief to come true. For example, if someone believes they are going to fail a test, they may not study or put in the effort needed to succeed, thus fulfilling their belief and actually failing the test.
As for whether self-fulfilling prophecies contribute to poverty, it can be argued that they do. If people hold negative stereotypes or expectations about individuals in poverty, it can impact how they treat and interact with them. This can limit opportunities and create barriers for individuals attempting to escape poverty. For instance, if someone believes that all individuals in poverty are lazy, they may be less likely to support policies aimed at providing assistance or creating economic opportunities for these individuals.