Question 1

Which of the following perspectives explains poverty as the consequence of inadequate child-rearing practices?

Accepted Answer

The social-psychological perspective focuses on the impact of individual and group behavior on poverty. This perspective suggests that poverty can be attributed to inadequate child-rearing practices, which result in low self-esteem, limited educational opportunities, and a lack of motivation to succeed in life.

Question 2

Rajesh works at a local convenience store where she earns the minimum wage of $8.75 per hour. Although she has asked for extra shifts, her boss will only guarantee her 20 hours per week, with additional hours on call when he needs her to cover a co-worker's shift. Which of the following myths about people who are poor does this scenario contradict?

Accepted Answer

The scenario contradicts the myth that most poor people are lazy because Rajesh is actively seeking more hours and is willing to cover co-workers’ shifts. Her boss restricting her hours is beyond her control, and it does not indicate any lack of effort or motivation on her part.

Question 3

The concept of the welfare state conjures up the image of which fictional figure?

Accepted Answer

Robin Hood is known for taking from the rich and giving to the poor, which aligns with the idea of the welfare state where the government provides aid and support for those in need. Santa Claus also represents giving and generosity, but he is not necessarily linked to a government system. Frankenstein and Scrooge do not relate to the concept of the welfare state.

Question 4

Garrett is interested in working at a large multinational manufacturing company. His uncle knows the family who owns the company, so Garrett asks his uncle if he can help get him an interview. What is Garrett making use of in asking his uncle?

Accepted Answer

Garrett is benefiting from his uncle's connections and relationships within the company, which represents social capital.

Question 5

Why does Canada have no statistics on the number of poor people living in the nation?

Accepted Answer

Canada does not have an official definition of poverty, making it difficult to measure and count those living in poverty.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes Canada's progressive tax system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following best describes Canada's...

Question 7

Most stereotypes about the poor-for example, that they are lazy and unwilling to work-are inaccurate perceptions of the reality and causes of poverty. What effect does promoting such myths have?

Accepted Answer

Promoting myths about the poor being lazy and unwilling to work blames the poor for their situation, which deflects attention away from the larger social and economic factors that contribute to poverty. This can result in policy decisions that further disadvantage the poor, rather than addressing the root causes of poverty.

Question 8

In discussing an absolute definition of poverty, sociologists focus on the essentials that are required to simply survive. Which of the following best explains the considerable disagreement among sociologists around the proper definition of absolute poverty?

Accepted Answer

The definition of what is essential for survival is subjective and based on values, causing sociologists to have different opinions on what constitutes absolute poverty.

Question 9

John attends the symphony and the opera, is an excellent gourmet cook, and prefers to drink fine wine. In the North American context, John's preferences are indicators of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

John's preferences for cultural activities such as attending the symphony and opera, his skill in gourmet cooking, and preference for fine wines indicate a high level of cultural capital. Cultural capital refers to non-financial assets, such as knowledge, skills, and preferences, which can confer social advantages and help individuals navigate high-status cultural settings.

Question 10

Which of the following most affects the distribution of the opportunities and rewards that shape the patterns of inequality in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Social policy plays a crucial role in determining the distribution of opportunities and rewards in Canada. Policies related to taxation, welfare, healthcare, education, and employment can have a significant impact on how wealth, income, and benefits are distributed across the population. Therefore, social policy is a key factor that shapes patterns of inequality in Canada. While demographics, international trade, and education may also contribute to inequality, social policy has a more direct and immediate impact.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the majority of the poor?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following best describes the...

Question 12

According to the textbook, "definitions matter" when it comes to discussing poverty. Why do these definitions matter?

Accepted Answer

Social policies and programs are often designed to target specific groups based on their income and poverty levels. In order to determine who qualifies for these programs, clear definitions of poverty are necessary. Without consistent definitions, it would be difficult to establish eligibility criteria and effectively distribute resources. The other options (B, C, and D) do not accurately reflect the importance of clear definitions in addressing poverty.

Question 13

Ruth has spent much of her adolescence away at school where, in addition to academic subjects, she was taught other skills such as how to speak and walk properly, manners, and public speaking. What has Ruth invested in by learning these skills?

Accepted Answer

Ruth has invested in cultural capital, which refers to the non-financial social assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means. Examples of cultural capital include education, intellect, style of speech, dress, or physical appearance. The skills Ruth learned, such as proper speaking and walking, manners, and public speaking, are all part of cultural capital, as they can help her navigate social situations and institutions more effectively.

Question 14

The National Council of Welfare argues that the proportion of people who are poor in our country is an indicator of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The National Council of Welfare suggests that the proportion of people who are poor reflects how well Canadian democracy is functioning, as it indicates the effectiveness of social and economic policies in addressing poverty.

Question 15

According to the thresholds that have been adopted by the Canadian government as measures of poverty, what percentage of Canadians were living in poverty in 2009?

Accepted Answer

In 2009, approximately 10 percent of Canadians were living in poverty according to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) measure used by the Canadian government.

Question 16

What does Statistics Canada use instead of an official definition of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Statistics Canada uses low income cutoffs (LICOs) to measure poverty instead of an official definition. LICOs are calculated by determining the income needed to purchase the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing, and are adjusted for family size and community size. They serve as a benchmark for assessing the extent of low income and economic inequality in Canada.

Question 17

Carla and Stephanie have both recently graduated from university with a degree in electrical engineering. They both graduated with the same, very high grades. They have both applied for the same position in a prestigious engineering firm. An important part of the job they are interviewing for involves meeting with clients to discuss the details of multi-million dollar contracts. Stephanie prefers bowling, country music, and reality TV. Carla likes ballet, classical music, and foreign films. Which of the following best describes their situation with respect to the job they are applying for?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital refers to the knowledge, skills, and cultural competencies that provide individuals with an advantage in certain social situations. In this case, the job involves meeting with clients to discuss multi-million dollar contracts, which requires an understanding of high culture and a certain level of cultural refinement. Carla's interests in ballet, classical music, and foreign films suggest that she likely has more cultural capital, giving her an advantage in this particular job. Stephanie's interests in bowling, country music, and reality TV do not necessarily suggest the same level of cultural refinement. Social capital refers to the networks and social connections that can be used for social and economic gain, but it is not as relevant in this situation.

Question 18

In contrast to explanations of poverty that emphasize individual inadequacies of the poor, what does the sociological view of poverty examine?

Accepted Answer

The sociological view of poverty examines the social organization of society and of social subsystems that create poverty, rather than focusing on individual inadequacies of the poor.

Question 19

The definition and measurement of poverty is important because of its impact on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The definition and measurement of poverty have a significant impact on social policies as policymakers use poverty statistics to measure the effectiveness of social programs and allocate resources. Accurate measurement is essential to understanding the extent of poverty and implementing effective policies to address it.

Answer: C 
 The definition and measurement of poverty can lead to stereotypes about the poor, perpetuating negative attitudes and stigma. This can further marginalize those living in poverty and create a cycle of disadvantage.

Answer: D 
 The definition of undeserving poor can be influenced by how poverty is defined and measured. This can impact who is eligible for social programs and shape attitudes towards people living in poverty.

Question 20

What is the term for statements such as these: "Those people are poor but honest"; and "Those people are poor because they don't want to work"?

Accepted Answer

These statements are examples of stereotypes, which are oversimplified and often inaccurate generalizations made about individuals or groups based on limited information or preconceived notions. The first statement assumes that all poor people are honest, while the second statement assumes that all poor people are lazy or lack motivation. Both statements are overly simplistic and fail to account for the complex and varied factors that contribute to an individual's socio-economic status.

Quiz 6: Social Stratification-Canadian and Global Perspectives