Why do poor people care more about their image and buying nice clothes than feeding their family or paying bills?

I see tons of poor people who make less than 20k a year spending their entire income on nice clothes and shoes and purses and makeup. Their children are starving they can't even afford to use the air conditioner or pay for electricity but they absolutely need to buy a new iPhone or a new pair of high heels

Probably because of pride and to prove to themselves and others that they are still relevant.

Because they are under the illusion that the latest technology will improve their lives immeasurably, that they are a 'must have'. That nice clothes will make them more attractive & accepted in society. Buying stuff makes you feel good albeit temporarily, they equate stuff to happiness.

Same reason why people buy cars they have no business buying - living beyond their means to look successful. Big Hat, No Cattle is the term.

Well if you ain't rich and don't have money, you can fake it at least. Try to lie to others that you have money, that you are something. And maybe if you convince them you will convince yourself that you are "something". That's just their way of compensating for their lack of something.

I doubt you see tons of people.

Pride is a female dog, and poverty/hunger affects your reasoning.

Psychology is complicated…

Human nature--get used to it.

Troll.