Theoretical Definition and Evolution Logic of the "New Poverty Trap" in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62381/P263213
Author(s)
Chan Zhang1, Chaomin Gao1,2,*
Affiliation(s)
1School of Business Administration, Baise University, Baise, Guangxi, China
2The Revitalization and Development of Old Revolutionary Areas in Guangxi, Baise, Guangxi, China
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Based on the social structural change driven by artificial intelligence, this paper defines the conceptual boundary of the "new poverty trap" and emphasizes its structural opportunity locking characteristics formed by the superposition of technological change, institutional supply lag and ability differentiation. Starting from the chain of technology promotion, structural reorganization, rule redistribution and ability imbalance, this paper sorts out its stage evolution logic and typical risk scenarios, and points out that there are multiple overlapping effects in employment, education, medical care and social security, which may consolidate social stratification through intergenerational reproduction. Based on this, this paper proposes a governance path with inclusive technology diffusion, capacity building and institutional adjustment as the core, and emphasizes the importance of algorithmic governance transparency, platform labor security and long-term resilient governance.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence; New Poverty Trap; Digital Divide; Platform Labor; Opportunity Structure; Governance Path
References
[1] Han B, Wang H C. AI Segregation: A World Divided by Artificial Intelligence and Its Choices. Social Science Front, 2025, (12): 172-186.
[2] Qiu Z X, Zhang S Q, Liu S D, et al. From the Digital Divide to the Connectivity Dividend Difference: A Connectivity Capital Perspective. Social Sciences in China, 2019, 40(01): 63-81.
[3] Guo X M, Gu L Y. Regular Precision Assistance Mechanism: Operational Mechanism, In-depth Obstacles and Path Selection. Governance Studies, 2026, (05): 1-14.
[4] Jia L M. The Existence, Imagination, and Construction of Human-Machine Community in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Philosophical Trends, 2026, (02): 39-51+175-176.
[5] Xue Y Z, Wang C, Wan C L. The Impact of Digital Feasibility Capability on Farmers' Income Growth and Internal Income Gap. Journal of China Agricultural University, 2026, (05):330-344.
[6] Riggins F J, Dewan S. The Digital Divide: Current and Future Research Directions. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 2005, 6(12):298-337.
[7] Van D A J, Van D J A. The Digital Divide Shifts to Differences in Usage. New Media&Society, 2013, 16(3):507-526.
[8] Luo S D, Wen X. Digital Divide and Rural Household Income Inequality: An Empirical Research Based on Micro-data. Contemporary Economic Research, 2026, (02):91-105.
[9] Li G, Qin J. Income Effect of Rural E-commerce: Empirical Evidence from Taobao Villages in China. Journal of Rural Studies, 2022(96):129-140.
[10]Yin Z C, Wang T J, Li C Z. The Impact of Digital Divide on China's Household Income Gap. Studies of International Finance, 2024(2):16-26.
[11]Wang F, Shen S. Does the Digital Economy Development Improve or Exacerbate Income Inequality? International Evidence. Managerial&Decision Economics, 2024, 45(6):4012-4038.
[12]Lu J F, Zhu G W, Luo Y Y, et al. From Discriminative to Generative AI: Theoretical Framework and Future Agenda in Artificial Intelligence Management. Journal of Management World, 2026, 42(02):208-241.
[13]Wirtz B W, Pistoia A, Ullrich S, et al., “Business Models: Origin, Development and Future Research Perspectives,” Long Range Planning, 2016, 49(1).
[14]Yang X Y, Liu Q. The Value, Current Challenges, and Paths for Promoting Digital Economic Development in Western China: Based on the Perspective of Regional Coordinated Development. Journal of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, 2026, 28(01):3-18+50.
[15]Yang Z, Chen J. Involving Algorithmic Technology in Enterprise Business Model Innovation: A Digital Capability Perspective. Journal of Nanjing University (Philosophy, Humanities and Social Sciences), 2025, 62(01):34-50.
[16]Wang S Y, Yuan D. Dynamic Stability of Labor Relations in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Discussion on Building Harmonious Labor Relations with Chinese Characteristics. Economic Review Journal, 2026, (02):36-47.
[17]Wei C C, Lin Q. Crisis and Reconstruction of Rural Culture under the Interaction of Traditional Ritual and Custom. Journal of Northwest University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 2026, 56(02):160-171.
[18]Luo T J, Cha H W. Research on the "Digital Divide" and Anti-Poverty: An Empirical Analysis Based on Panel Data of 31 Provinces, Municipalities Directly Under the Central Government and Autonomous Regions in China. Inquiry into Economic Issues, 2018, (2):11-18+74.
[19]Riggins F J, Dewan S. The Digital Divide: Current and Future Research Directions. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 2005, 6(12):298-337.
[20]Sun S T, Ding R Y, Zhou S D. How Can a Large-Scale Economy Achieve Leapfrog Development in the AI Era? Social Science Journal, 2026, (02):54-64.
[21]Chen Q H, Zhang N, Li R N. Digital Rural Development and the Resilience of Rural Household Development. Journal of Technical Economics & Management, 2026, (03):9-16.
[22]Wei W S. The Connotation Explanation, Practical Exploration and Development Path of Promoting Digitization of Education in China. Modern Education Management, 2024, (12):98-107.
[23]Chen X Y, Chang Q X. From “Sweatshop” to “Technology Cage”: Changes in the Relationship between Labor and Capital in Digital Capitalist Society. Contemporary Economic Research, 2022(4):14-21.
[24]Hanushek E, Ruhose J, Woessmann L. Knowledge Capital and Aggregate Income Differences: Development Accounting for US States. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 2017, 9(4):184-224.
[25]Hao B H, Yu Q M, Dong Y. Research on the Practical Value and Development Strategies of "Internet + Mental Health". Chinese Hospital Management, 2026, 46(02):46-49.
[26] Shen K, Shi X F, Zhang A N. How Does Artificial Intelligence Development Affect Employment Quality? Population Research, 2026, 50(01):51-67.