Why Do Some Games Use Poverty and Homelessness as Gameplay Mechanics?

[DevD]

Financial hardship can create powerful game mechanics, but turning poverty into a challenge or resource-management system can also simplify a complicated social reality. When does using poverty as a gameplay mechanic add meaningful perspective, and when does it reduce hardship to entertainment?

[Flower]

Using poverty as a gameplay can be very powerful if it's handled with respect. It raise awareness but it does not suppose to trivialize hardship.