Question 1

Despite overall increased levels of income and wealth in the United States during the past four decades,poverty continues to be a societal issue.According to your textbook,what are two key theories that developed in the social sciences to identify the roots of poverty in the United States? How do these two theories differ and what elements might they share in common? What is meant by poverty as pathology versus poverty as a structural economic problem? Which theory do you find most convincing for identifying the root causes of poverty in the United States,and why? Do you think additional theories are needed to more fully address the underlying causes of poverty in the country and globally? What do you think is the appropriate role of the government in addressing the roots of poverty? What do you think is the appropriate role of the individual in overcoming poverty? Do you think poverty can be eradicated in the future? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Despite overall increased levels of income and...

Question 2

The concept of the American Dream emphasizes and promotes the notions of meritocracy and social mobility as central to both national identity and the experiences of U.S.citizens.These notions assume that all citizens have equal opportunity for upward social mobility regardless of current class position.What is meritocracy,and how does it relate to social mobility? Are both concepts experienced equally by U.S.citizens today regardless of class position? What are three examples of how class can affect individuals' experiences with meritocracy and social mobility? Given what you have read in the chapter on class and inequality,do you believe the American Dream is equally attainable to all U.S.citizens? Why or why not? Do you think the American Dream will become more equally attainable in the future? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The concept of the American Dream emphasizes...

Quiz 10: Class and Inequality