They would be forced to cut back on anything they could do just to try to keep up with the constant extortions of money that others took from them.
The only way for them to be able to keep up with such demands and stay on the good side of those who they were being extorted money from was to become just like those who had made their lives so difficult.
If they wanted to escape the constant cycle of being taken advantage of, they had to become just like those exploiting them.
If they tried to resist or run away, they would be found eventually, which would only worsen matters.
So many started in such a position only to come out of it after changing their mentality.
Those who did not adapt to such a cruel and unforgiving environment were the ones who remained at the very bottom and remained a victim.