Oscar Lewis
American anthropologist of Latin America

Born
December 25th, 1914
110 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1970
54 years ago — 55 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United States
Links & References
Contributed significantly to the field of anthropology with a focus on the lives and cultures of the poor in Latin America. Developed the concept of the 'culture of poverty' based on extensive fieldwork in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Spent much of his career studying the socio-economic conditions affecting marginalized communities and published numerous works that highlighted social conditions and human behavior.
Formulated the concept of the culture of poverty
Published 'Five Families: Mexican Case Studies in the Culture of Poverty'
Conducted extensive field research in Puerto Rico
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