Question 1

Nearly one-third of Americans were considered low-income in 2005-that is, having incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Accepted Answer

In 2005, nearly one-third of Americans were indeed considered low-income, defined as having incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, reflecting significant economic challenges for a substantial portion of the population.

Question 2

The top one percent of U.S. households hold one-third of the nation's net worth, while the bottom 40 percent hold less than one percent.

Accepted Answer

Wealth distribution in the U.S. is highly skewed, with the top 1% of households holding a disproportionately large share of the nation's net worth, while the bottom 40% hold a very small fraction, reflecting significant economic inequality.

Question 3

Which region of the U.S. has the highest poverty rate, as well as the largest number of individuals in poverty?

Accepted Answer

The South has both the highest poverty rate and the largest number of individuals living in poverty among all regions in the United States. This is due to a combination of factors including lower median incomes, higher unemployment rates, and less access to education and healthcare services compared to other regions.

Question 4

According to the authors, "the U.S. has seen periods of dramatic poverty reduction" . Identify and discuss policies that could be implemented to reduce or even eliminate persistent poverty.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the authors, "the U.S. has...

Question 5

The number of Americans living in extreme poverty-below half the poverty line-has decreased from 2000 to 2005 and is at its lowest point in two decades.

Accepted Answer

The statement is not accurate because the number of Americans living in extreme poverty fluctuates due to various factors such as economic conditions, policy changes, and social programs. Without specific data, it's misleading to claim a consistent decrease or that it's at its lowest point in two decades. Additionally, periods of economic recession, such as the early 2000s and the late 2000s, have historically increased poverty levels.

Question 6

Which ethnic group comprises the largest group of the poor?

Accepted Answer

White non-Hispanic individuals comprise the largest group of the poor in absolute numbers, primarily due to their larger population size in the United States. While poverty rates are higher among some minority groups, the total number of White non-Hispanic individuals living in poverty is greater.

Question 7

In 2005, _______percent of the U.S. population lived below the federal poverty level of $19,971 for a family of four.

Accepted Answer

In 2005, 12.6 percent of the U.S. population lived below the federal poverty level, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Question 8

Why is addressing poverty and economic security more urgent now than ever before?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is addressing poverty and economic security...

Question 9

What fraction of U.S. children are poor?

Accepted Answer

As of my last update, approximately one-fifth of U.S. children live in poverty. This statistic is based on data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, which tracks poverty rates in the country.

Question 10

Why do U.S. immigrants have a higher poverty rate than the native-born?

Accepted Answer

Immigrants in the U.S. often face a variety of challenges that can contribute to a higher poverty rate compared to the native-born population. These challenges include a higher likelihood of working in low-wage jobs, low proficiency in English, lack of education, and the barriers associated with lack of citizenship status. Each of these factors can limit access to higher-paying jobs and resources that could help lift individuals out of poverty.

Question 11

Those living in the mid-Atlantic region have the highest poverty rate.

Accepted Answer

The highest poverty rates in the United States are typically found in the South and certain urban areas, not the mid-Atlantic region.

Question 12

Men and women are equally likely to be poor.

Accepted Answer

Globally, women are more likely to live in poverty than men, due to factors such as wage gaps, lesser access to education, and societal roles that limit economic opportunities.

Question 13

Why is economic opportunity essential to America's future?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is economic opportunity essential to America's...

Quiz 10: Poor Children in Rich Countries Timothy Smeeding and Barbaraboyld Torrey