They perpetuate the class system because social inequality benefits those in power. Capitalists exploit the workers. Poverty is a consequence of exploitation and weakness in the economic system itself. To motivate the bright, most competent people with the most vital roles in society they are rewarded with a high income, power, and prestige. The poor are not educated and have minimal societal competence so there is no reason to reward them.
Poverty is a latent function of societal arrangements.
Contributing Factors to Growing Inequality in the USA Corporate Power corporations are powerful and rich and control the major markets in any society. Political Economy symbiotic relationship between corporations and government. The government creates inequality. Industrial Reserve Army blue-collar workers are hired when economy needs it and fired when the economy is good. The gap between skilled and unskilled workers has widened people need a college education.