Rationality of Poverty

I was having a discussion with a friend on why friends that we grew up with make the decisions they make and why they can not see beyond the neighborhood or local community.  The Central Valley is very poor.  I call this phenomena the rationality of poverty.  Being impoverished can dictate a lot of choices and the immediate need for food and shelter can drive decisionmaking where, to the outside eye, the decisions look illogical.  There becomes a point where the decision making methodology becomes hardwired in our day to day actions.  I came to this realization when I go to fill gas in my car and how I may drive another block or mile to save another penny a gallon.  That makes no sense but in the rationality of poverty, it makes sense to save all that you can.