How does atticus distinguish between the Cunningham and the Ewell

The Cunninghams are proud people. They take care of their own and don't accept handouts and follow the law. The Ewells, on the other hand, break the law and feel entitled to take what they want, as well as do what they want.

Atticus said the Ewells had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations. None of them had done an honest day’s work in his recollection. He said that some Christmas, when he was getting rid of the tree, he would take me with him and show me where and how they lived. They were people, but they lived like animals.