Question 1

The "situational" view of poverty argues that

Accepted Answer

The "situational" view of poverty suggests that poverty is often a temporary condition triggered by specific adverse life events, such as divorce or illness, rather than a permanent or inherent state.

Question 2

A study conducted in the 1990s showed that over a 4-year period, ____ percent of the U.S. population found themselves living in poverty for at least two months, while ___ percent were continuously in poverty for the entire 4 years.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C) 34; 2. This indicates that a significant portion of the U.S. population experienced poverty at some point over a 4-year period, but a much smaller percentage was in poverty continuously for the entire duration.

Question 3

Children are 24.4 percent of the U.S. population and _____ percent of those in poverty.

Accepted Answer

Children represent a disproportionately high percentage of those in poverty in the U.S., with 35.5 percent of the impoverished population being children, despite them making up only 24.4 percent of the overall population.

Question 4

In 2008, the official U.S. poverty rate was __________ percent.

Accepted Answer

In 2008, the official U.S. poverty rate was 13.2 percent, reflecting the impact of the economic downturn that began in 2007.

Question 5

In 2010, the poverty threshold for a family of four was

Accepted Answer

In 2010, the poverty threshold for a family of four in the United States was $22,050. This figure is used by the U.S. government to determine who is eligible for certain federal subsidies and aid.

Question 6

The shift in the status of individuals or groups is known as

Accepted Answer

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups in social position over time, which can be upward or downward, reflecting changes in status, wealth, or occupation.

Question 7

The structural theory of poverty contends that

Accepted Answer

The structural theory of poverty argues that systemic changes, such as the shift from manufacturing to service-sector jobs, create conditions that make certain groups of people more vulnerable to poverty. This perspective emphasizes the role of economic and social structures in determining who becomes poor, rather than individual failings or choices.

Question 8

The view that such poverty values as weak ego, helplessness, and dependence are passed from one generation to the next reflects the

Accepted Answer

The culture of poverty perspective suggests that poverty entails a specific set of values and behaviors that are transmitted from one generation to the next, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. This includes traits like weak ego, helplessness, and dependence.

Question 9

The "culture of poverty" theory views poverty as

Accepted Answer

The "culture of poverty" theory suggests that poverty persists over generations because the poor develop a unique set of values and beliefs that contribute to the continuation of their economic situation. This perspective emphasizes the self-perpetuating patterns and behaviors within impoverished communities that distinguish them from the broader society.

Question 10

The poverty rate for married-couple families was 6.2 percent in 2010; for families headed by a female with no spouse present the poverty rate was

Accepted Answer

The answer of The poverty rate for married-couple families was...

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of poverty as defined by sociologist Mark Rank?

Accepted Answer

Mark Rank's perspective on poverty emphasizes that it is not a result of individual failings or moral shortcomings. He argues against the notion that poverty is deserved or a result of not earning a decent living, focusing instead on systemic issues and the broader societal impact of poverty.

Question 12

The welfare reform program that took effect in 1996 focuses primarily on

Accepted Answer

The welfare reform program of 1996, known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, aimed to encourage work, end welfare's dependency by setting time limits, and gave states more control over welfare delivery.

Question 13

The "underclass"

Accepted Answer

The "underclass" refers to a segment of the population that experiences deep poverty and social disadvantages. It constitutes a minority of the poor in the United States, as not all poor individuals are considered part of the underclass, which is characterized by chronic unemployment, lack of skills, and often, a high degree of social isolation.

Question 14

The United States is the wealthiest country in the world and

Accepted Answer

The United States, despite its wealth, has the highest rate of poverty among developed nations, reflecting significant income inequality and disparities in access to healthcare, education, and social services.

Question 15

Social mobility occurs because of

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is influenced by social change and shifts in the availability of talent, as these factors can alter the demand for certain skills and opportunities for individuals to move up or down the social ladder.

Question 16

Historian Jacqueline Jones showed that the kind of poverty associated with contemporary urban ghettos has a long history dating back at least to the

Accepted Answer

Jacqueline Jones argued that the type of poverty seen in modern urban ghettos has historical roots going back to the Civil War era, highlighting the long-standing socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Question 17

In 2010, _______ percent of non-Hispanic whites were living in poverty, compared to ________ percent of African Americans, _______ percent of Hispanics, and ________ percent of Asian Americans.

Accepted Answer

In 2010, the poverty rates among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States varied significantly, with non-Hispanic whites having the lowest rate at 9.9%, followed by Asian Americans at 12.1%, and much higher rates for African Americans and Hispanics at 27.4% and 26.6% respectively.

Question 18

Research shows that social class is associated with mortality due to

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that social class is more strongly associated with mortality due to preventable causes, as individuals in lower social classes often have less access to resources and healthcare that can prevent certain diseases and conditions.

Question 19

The earliest national poverty programs in the United States were

Accepted Answer

The earliest national poverty programs in the United States were indeed developed as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" in the 1930s, aimed at providing relief for the poor, recovering the economy, and reforming the financial system during the Great Depression.

Question 20

The "underclass" refers to persons exhibiting

Accepted Answer

Persistent poverty is a key characteristic of the underclass.

Quiz 6: Social Stratification