Question 1

The concept of poverty is culturally determined,and hence people are defined as "poor" in relation to others.

Accepted Answer

The concept of poverty varies across cultures and is defined based on the relative economic conditions of a society. Therefore, what is considered "poor" in one society may not be the same in another society.

Question 2

The "War on Poverty" was declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.

Accepted Answer

The "War on Poverty" was actually declared by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

Question 3

In 1962,Michael Harrington argued in The Other America that there was chronic,severe poverty in America.

Accepted Answer

Michael Harrington's book, The Other America, published in 1962, argued that there was chronic and severe poverty in America, an issue that was largely ignored by policymakers and the general public at the time.

Question 4

In 2009,the median income of U.S.families was about $86,000.

Accepted Answer

The median income of U.S. families in 2009 was actually about $50,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Question 5

In the United States,the incidence of poverty has declined since the 1970s.

Accepted Answer

The incidence of poverty in the United States has not declined since the 1970s. In fact, it has remained relatively constant, with some fluctuations, over the past few decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in 1970 was 12.6% and in 2019 it was 10.5%. This represents a slight decrease, but not a significant one. Additionally, poverty rates for certain groups, such as children and minorities, remain much higher than the national average.

Question 6

The relative concept of poverty is based on how far behind average income a particular family gets.

Accepted Answer

The relative concept of poverty is based on a comparison of a family's income to the average income in their society or community. This means that poverty is measured in relation to the income of those around them rather than an absolute income level.

Question 7

The United States has less income inequality than most other developed countries.

Accepted Answer

According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States has higher levels of income inequality than most other developed countries.

Question 8

By 2009,the poverty line for a typical family of four stood at about $27,500.

Accepted Answer

The answer of By 2009,the poverty line for a typical...

Question 9

Poverty is defined in two ways: the absolute concept of poverty and the relative concept of poverty.

Accepted Answer

Poverty can be defined absolutely, based on a specific income level below which individuals or families are considered poor, or relatively, based on a comparison to the average or median income in a given society.

Question 10

Falling below a minimum standard of living illustrates the concept of absolute poverty.

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty refers to a situation where individuals or households do not have access to the minimum level of resources necessary for basic survival, such as food, clean water, and shelter. Falling below this minimum standard of living is an example of absolute poverty.

Question 11

The concept of absolute poverty states that anyone who falls too far behind the average income should be considered poor.

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty refers to a condition where an individual does not have enough income to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, regardless of how they compare to others' incomes.

Question 12

Compared to most other industrialized nations,the United States has greater income inequality.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The United States has one of the highest levels of income inequality among industrialized nations, with a significant gap between the wealthiest individuals and the rest of the population. This is due to various factors such as differences in education levels, access to resources, and systemic issues within the economy and government policies.

Question 13

The U.S.distribution of income was more unequal in 1990 and 1980 than in 1970.

Accepted Answer

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, was higher in 1990 and 1980 than in 1970, indicating greater inequality in those years.

Question 14

The highest-income fifth of the U.S.population ordinarily earns more than 40 percent of all income.

Accepted Answer

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, the highest-income fifth of the population earned 51.9 percent of all income in 2018.

Question 15

There are several reasons why incomes are unequal,including differences in luck,experience,and schooling.

Accepted Answer

Inequalities in income can arise from variations in factors such as luck, educational qualifications, work experience, and other socioeconomic conditions. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 16

A market system tends to create inequality.

Accepted Answer

In a market system, individuals who have more resources or skills tend to have a greater advantage in earning income and accumulating wealth, while those who have less resources or skills may struggle to make ends meet. This can lead to income and wealth inequality within society.

Question 17

Large income differences will be eradicated if the market mechanism is working well.

Accepted Answer

The market mechanism can lead to large income differences because it rewards those who are more productive or have valuable skills or resources. It is not designed to distribute income equally. However, government policies and regulations can be implemented to reduce income inequality.

Question 18

In 2009,the poverty line for a family of four was about $22,000.

Accepted Answer

This is true according to the poverty guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2009. The poverty threshold for a family of four that year was $22,050.

Question 19

The lowest-income fifth of the population ordinarily earns about 20 percent of the income in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The lowest-income fifth of the population ordinarily...

Question 20

The relative concept of poverty means that poverty will never be eliminated.

Accepted Answer

Poverty is a relative concept because it is based on the standard of living of a particular society or community. As long as there are variations in the standard of living, there will always be a segment of the population that falls below the poverty line. Therefore, poverty cannot be completely eliminated but it can be reduced.

Quiz 21: Poverty, Inequality, and Discrimination