Final answer:
The cycle of poverty in East Harlem is sustained by factors like the lack of well-paying jobs, historical and modern-day racism, unstable housing, exploitation by landlords, inadequate healthcare, and restricted access to education. These issues create a self-perpetuating system where poverty leads to crime and further marginalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
People in East Harlem, as in many other urban areas, often find themselves in a cycle of poverty due to a combination of factors. The lack of well-paying jobs, the legacies of historical racial discrimination, and modern-day racism contribute to sustaining poverty-stricken neighborhoods. Unstable housing, as highlighted by Desmond, often exacerbates poverty, making it a cause rather than a mere condition. This instability is further intensified by exploitative practices by landlords, which can leave families like Kamala's without a home and with limited options for survival. Additionally, there are systemic barriers such as inadequate healthcare, restricted access to education, and the inaccessibility of birth control that both result from and perpetuate poverty. Ultimately, these factors contribute to a situation where despite hard work, individuals may turn to crime for survival, adding to the challenges faced by impoverished communities and reinforcing the cycle of poverty.