The difference between the brothers and the hh family's the makes the most difference in their lives is at least some male authority/role model in their lives, and their working status. For the hh who definetly lack the male authority figure, this is the most contributing factor to the culture of poverty theory. There are many other factors like low parental educational/economical attainment and long duration in public housing but I believe not having a father around is the biggest factor. By not having a male around to set the rules and lead by example by having a steady job the hh have gone down the wrong path. They got into drugs and alcohol at an early age and dropped out of school. The hh just were never taught/saw how to succeed. The brothers all had at least some male authority figure either in the house or nearby. Even though their fathers never had very good jobs they were taught the value of a hard work and most important the value of an education in achieving a good job. Also having the father figures around helped prevent the brothers from becoming involved in drugs.