Question: What conclusion does Steinberg reach when he critiques a "culture of poverty" explanation for Indigenous peoples being "the most socially and economically disadvantaged group" in the nation? The culture of poverty causes groups to lag behind or get ahead precisely because of their cultural values. The culture of poverty is the result of poverty, not the cause of poverty. Poverty is all about culture--some cultures simply lack an adequate work ethic. The culture of poverty is the cause of continuing and persistent poverty for Indigenous people.