To determine whether the poverty which afflicts between 50% and 60% of Mexico's population can be described in an ideologically neutral perspective, the paper formulates ten questions about political and economic issues which are sensitive to both capitalist and Marxist theorists. The questions concern: (1) the balance between food supply and demand; (2) relative growth rates of the population, industry, and agriculture; (3) private ownership of production; (4) unemployment and underemployment statistics; (5) employment trends; (6) trends in land reform and capital concentration since the Revolution of 1910; (7) business profits and rates of return on foreign investment; (8) business cycles; (9) the relationship between business cycles and unemployment; and (10) the relationship of poverty to unemployment and underemployment. Discussion of each question generally involves the statement of a general picture based upon available information, a brief literature review, conjecture based upon historical trends, and conclusions suggested by the data. Analysis of data on these issues indicates that poverty in Mexico results from complex social, economic, and political factors such as exploitation of labor, heavy foreign investment, a markedly differentiated class system, and rapid population growth. The conclusion is that it is possible to gain knowledge concerning politically sensitive issues despite ideological influences. (Author/DB)