The assumption that people work simply so they can consume seems a bit flawed. The premise that they don't work because they are economically rational has more

The assumption that people work simply so they can consume seems a bit flawed. The premise that they don't work because they are economically rational has more basis. Maybe a better explanation is that the underemployed impoverished are less motivated to work since by doing so they are not in any better position to improve their outcome. If you make minimum wage and can only find part time work, the rent isn't being paid either way.