How does social causation theory explain the main causes of poverty? according to this theory, people with limited social skills are less likely to graduate from high school, go to college and obtain a high-paying job. it states that people who lack social skills are more likely to commit crime and be incarcerated, which then lead them to be unemployed or underemployed. according to this theory, social institutions, such as welfare programs, create incentives to keep people unemployed. it suggests that societal institutions, laws and regulations create barriers and limitations that then make it difficult for some people to succeed or get out of poverty?