Question 1

Describe two different ways poverty is defined and explain how they are similar and different.What is the main criticism of each definition of poverty?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

Medicare is an example of a means-tested program.

Accepted Answer

Medicare is not a means-tested program. It is an entitlement program that provides health insurance to individuals who are aged 65 or older, as well as to some individuals with disabilities and those with end-stage renal disease. Means-tested programs, on the other hand, are programs that provide benefits only to individuals who meet certain income or asset criteria. Examples of means-tested programs include Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Question 3

Describe the general functional perspective on poverty and inequality.Then discuss three potential functions poverty can serve for a society.Finally,what is one important criticism of the functional perspective on poverty?

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Question 4

Compare and contrast Karl Marx's and Max Weber's views of stratification.Which of these views is most closely related to the conceptualization of socioeconomic status (SES)used today?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Black men are 5.6 times more likely to be incarcerated than White men.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true according to a report from the Sentencing Project, which found that in 2016, Black men were incarcerated at a rate of 2,272 per 100,000, while White men were incarcerated at a rate of 397 per 100,000. This means that Black men are 5.6 times more likely to be incarcerated than White men.

Question 6

Discuss distributive justice in regard to social and economic resources.What are some of the arguments of proponents of distributive justice? Would you agree or disagree with distributive justice from a functionalist perspective? Why?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Lower-income workers are just as likely as higher-income workers to be underinsured.

Accepted Answer

Lower-income workers are more likely to be underinsured compared to higher-income workers, primarily because they often have less comprehensive health coverage and face higher relative costs for insurance and healthcare services.

Question 8

The social safety net in the United States can be traced back to the Social Security Act of 1935.

Accepted Answer

The Social Security Act of 1935 is considered to be the foundation of the social safety net in the United States. It established several programs, including old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid to families with dependent children (later replaced by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).

Question 9

Karl Marx believed there were three primary classes,all determined based on ownership to the means of production.

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx primarily identified two main classes in capitalist societies: the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor.

Question 10

Household income has stagnated or declined during the past decade.

Accepted Answer

According to several studies and reports, including those from the US Census Bureau and Pew Research Center, household income has stagnated or declined in the US since the 2008 financial crisis.

Question 11

The poverty rate for female-headed households is higher than the poverty rate for male-headed households.

Accepted Answer

This is true according to data from the United States Census Bureau. As of 2019, the poverty rate for female-headed households was 24.9%, while the poverty rate for male-headed households was 13.4%. This suggests that there may be gender-based disparities in economic opportunities and resources.

Question 12

Social mobility in the United States has increased over the past three decades.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that social mobility in the United States has actually decreased over the past few decades, with children born into low-income families having a lower chance of moving up the socioeconomic ladder than those born into higher-income families.

Question 13

Social empathy is the insight that individuals have about their own lives that allows them to understand the circumstances and realities of other people's living conditions.

Accepted Answer

Social empathy involves the ability to understand people's backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, enabling one to empathize with their feelings and conditions, rather than being an insight about one's own life.

Question 14

Functionalists argue some poverty is inevitable.

Accepted Answer

Functionalists believe that poverty is inevitable as it serves important functions in society such as motivating people to work hard, ensuring jobs are filled, and promoting social mobility. They view poverty as a natural and necessary part of a well-functioning society.

Question 15

Discuss symbolic interactionism as it pertains to poverty and inequality.What are some of the applications of symbolic interactionism to social policy? How does this relate to the policy implications of the general functional perspective?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 2: Poverty and Class Inequality