In Hillbilly Elegy, Vance feels that the problem with poverty is entitlement. People feel as though they deserve better jobs and better pay but people aren't willing to do the work necessary to keep the job. One example he gives is the job at a tile company. The manager has a hard time getting people to stay in the position because it is hard work. Another example is a woman was hired for a front desk position as a favor since she was pregnant. The position paid well and offered insurance benefits. However, the woman did not show up to work reliably and had to be laid off. He calls this the "social rot". It's the way it has always been, so it's the way it always will be. The people don't see the ability to better or change their circumstances even when it's available in their town.
