Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-103). / This dissertation asks the research question: "How does the Johannesburg Human Development Strategy conceptualise the constraints that exist to escaping poverty?" It answers the question by adopting a critical approach to the Johannesburg Human Development Strategy (JHDS). Using an argument analysis methodology, the dissertation ascertains what assumptions about constraints to poverty reduction are implicit within the strategy. The dissertation shows the JHDS to emphasise livelihood asset deficiencies as the most significant constraint to poverty reduction.