Question 1

People living in relative poverty

Accepted Answer

Relative poverty refers to the condition where individuals can afford basic necessities but their income is still significantly lower than the average, making it difficult to maintain an adequate standard of living compared to others in their society.

Question 2

Your text's examples of housing (short-term rentals), food (take-out), furniture (renting), and money (check-cashing services) illustrate which of these?

Accepted Answer

These examples illustrate the concept that it costs more to be poor, as they are services that typically come with higher fees or costs than more traditional, longer-term solutions available to those with more financial stability.

Question 3

Life chances refer to

Accepted Answer

Life chances refer to individuals' access to resources such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which affect their quality of life and ability to improve their social standing. This concept, introduced by sociologist Max Weber, emphasizes the impact of social structures on individuals' opportunities.

Question 4

Sociologists believe that Hurricane Katrina rescue and cleanup efforts exposed

Accepted Answer

Hurricane Katrina's aftermath highlighted significant class inequalities in the United States, as the most affected were often those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who lacked the resources for timely evacuation or recovery.

Question 5

The superrich

Accepted Answer

The superrich are often not highly visible in their spending or lifestyle to the general public, distinguishing them from more conspicuous consumers. Choices A, B, and D do not accurately describe the superrich; designer stores like Hollister and American Eagle are not exclusive to the superrich, the professional categories listed under B do not necessarily equate to being superrich, and a net worth of $150,000 is far below the threshold for being considered superrich.

Question 6

The poverty line tends to __________ the minimum income necessary to not be poor.

Accepted Answer

The poverty line often underestimates the minimum income necessary to not be poor because it may not fully account for all living expenses and regional cost variations.

Question 7

About what proportion of the world's population live in absolute poverty?

Accepted Answer

The answer of About what proportion of the world's population...

Question 8

Joe did not complete high school, delivers pizza, and cannot afford his own house. Joe is a member of which class?

Accepted Answer

Joe is a member of the lower class because he did not complete high school, delivers pizza, and cannot afford his own house. These are all indicators of low socioeconomic status.

Question 9

In the U.S., the income gap between the rich and poor

Accepted Answer

The income gap between the rich and poor in the U.S. is widening, a trend that has been observed over the past few decades. This is in contrast to some periods of history where the gap has shrunk, and it differs from the situation in many European countries, which often have more aggressive policies to reduce income inequality.

Question 10

Which of the following is correct about the poor in America?

Accepted Answer

Children and women are more likely to be poor than men, reflecting disparities in income and employment opportunities, as well as the impact of single parenthood and wage gaps.

Question 11

Most people in the United States think that they are _________ class.

Accepted Answer

Most people in the United States identify as middle class, reflecting a common perception or aspiration towards financial stability and a comfortable lifestyle, even among varying income levels.

Question 12

The most active in community and civic organizations tend to be from which class(es)?

Accepted Answer

The most active participants in community and civic organizations tend to be from the middle middle and upper middle classes. This is because individuals from these classes often have the resources, education, and time to engage in such activities, compared to those from the upper upper and lower classes who might not see the need or have the same level of community engagement, and those from the working and lower classes who might lack the resources or time.

Question 13

People in __________ do not have the ability to sustain their lives and lack basic necessities such as food and water.

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty refers to a condition where individuals lack the basic necessities of life, such as food and water, making it impossible for them to sustain their lives.

Question 14

The United States is increasingly a nation of

Accepted Answer

The United States has seen growing income inequality over the years, leading to a more pronounced division between the rich and the poor. This trend has been documented by various studies and reports, indicating a shrinking middle class and increasing wealth concentration at the top.

Question 15

How is the poverty line calculated?

Accepted Answer

The poverty line is calculated based on the cost of a minimally nutritional diet times three. This method assumes that a family spends about one-third of its income on food, with the rest going towards other essentials.

Question 16

Compared to most other industrialized nations, __________ American children live in poverty.

Accepted Answer

Compared to most other industrialized nations, a higher proportion of American children live in poverty. This is due to a variety of factors including income inequality, social safety net differences, and economic policies.

Question 17

According to sociologist Annette Laureau's 2003 research on third graders,

Accepted Answer

Laureau's research found that wealthier parents tend to be more involved in their children's lives, often through organizing and participating in structured activities, reflecting a parenting style she termed "concerted cultivation."

Question 18

The "dream line" includes

Accepted Answer

The "dream line" refers to a standard of living that includes aspirations such as owning a house, high quality child care, health coverage, and savings for college, which are beyond basic needs and aim for a more comfortable and secure lifestyle.

Question 19

The poverty line refers to

Accepted Answer

The poverty line is a monetary threshold under which an individual or family is considered to be living in poverty, based on their income. It is used to identify those who lack the financial resources to meet basic living expenses.

Question 20

Regarding class, race, and ethnicity.

Accepted Answer

African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are over-represented among the poor due to historical inequalities, systemic racism, and socioeconomic barriers that disproportionately affect these groups.

Quiz 7: Stratification and Social Class