Question 1

Conflict theorists say the purpose of welfare is to maintain a(n)_______________.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists argue that welfare programs exist to create a reserve labor force by providing just enough support to keep people from revolting against the system, but not enough to lift them out of poverty. This maintains a pool of low-wage workers that can be exploited by employers, benefiting the capitalist class.

Question 2

What were the four social classes identified by Erik Wright?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

In 1996,the U.S. welfare system was restructured. Supporters of this reform maintain that the new system rescues people from poverty and reduces welfare costs. What is the primary evidence they point out to support this?

Accepted Answer

Supporters of the welfare reform often point to the significant decrease in the number of people on welfare as evidence that the new system is more successful at lifting people out of poverty. This decrease is often attributed to changes in eligibility criteria and greater emphasis on work requirements for recipients.

Question 4

In Marx's model of social class,what were the major classes?

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Question 5

What are the three components Weber identified as being the key elements of determining one's social class?

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Question 6

Theorists who suggest that the purpose of the welfare system is to maintain a "reserve labor force" is MOST aligned with the ________ perspective.

Accepted Answer

The idea that the welfare system serves to maintain a "reserve labor force" suggests that it is being used as a tool for social control by those in power, with the purpose of keeping a portion of the population in a position of dependence and insecurity. This interpretation is most aligned with the conflict perspective, which emphasizes the struggle for power and resources between different social groups. The functionalist perspective, on the other hand, would be more likely to view the welfare system as a necessary social institution that serves to promote social cohesion and stability.

Question 7

What is the formula to determine one's wealth?

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Question 8

John worked at a steel mill for 25 years. A recessionary economy and competition with foreign steelmakers forced the closing of the mill. At the age of 45,John is unable to find work in his town,lives in poverty,and must go on welfare. What is the MOST likely cause of John's poverty?

Accepted Answer

The scenario suggests that changes in the social structure, specifically the recessionary economy and competition with foreign steelmakers, were the primary cause of John's poverty. It is not indicated that John is unwilling to work or lacks intelligence, and there is no information to suggest that changes in his value system are the cause of his poverty.

Question 9

Jacob is single,40 years old and living in government-subsidized housing. He does not want to pursue regular employment because he feels there are other members of society who need the work more than he does. Jacob's situation is an example of which of the following explanations of why people are poor?

Accepted Answer

Jacob's situation reflects the characteristics of individuals explanation for poverty, where personal factors such as lack of ambition or low skills contribute to an individual's poverty.

Question 10

There were much-publicized myths of the late 1800s that centered around the rags-to-riches exploits of fictional boy heroes. These myths were perpetuated by their author,________.

Accepted Answer

Horatio Alger was known for writing the popular "rags-to-riches" stories featuring fictional boy heroes during the late 1800s. Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens were the same person, and while he was a well-known author during this time period, he did not focus on this particular type of fiction. George Orwell did not write during the late 1800s.

Question 11

What is the democratic facade?

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Question 12

Name at least three of the top five occupations in the United States based on occupational prestige.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

By definition and example,who are the nouveau riche?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Why does sudden wealth,such as that experienced by winning a multimillion-dollar lottery jackpot,create anomie?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Intentionally keeping groups of people unemployed during periods of economic recession until they are needed for the next economic boom is a strategy by the government to establish a(n)________.

Accepted Answer

The intentional keeping of groups of people unemployed during economic recession establishes a reserve labor force which can be mobilized when needed during the next economic boom. This strategy is often used by the government to ensure that there is a pool of labor available for industries that may experience a sudden surge in demand. The other options (B, C, and D) do not accurately reflect this strategy.

Question 16

What are the four features that jobs with high prestige all share?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Which general explanation of poverty focuses on the discrimination and changes in the job market?

Accepted Answer

Social structure explanations view poverty as a result of social inequalities and systemic barriers in access to opportunities and resources, such as discrimination and changes in the job market.

Question 18

The median annual compensation package for CEOs is more than 7.6 million dollars. What does this mean in relation to all CEO compensation packages?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

Jeanann and her two children recently went on welfare. Research indicates that it is likely that Jeanann and her children will be in poverty ________.

Accepted Answer

Research shows that many families use welfare as a temporary aid, with a significant portion exiting poverty within a year.

Question 20

What is the relationship between births to single women and their level of education?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the higher the level of education of women, the lower the likelihood of them having children outside of marriage or being a single mother. Women with higher levels of education tend to have career aspirations and delay having children until they are financially stable and have established stable family relationships. On the other hand, women with lower levels of education are more likely to have children earlier and outside of marriage, which increases the rates of single motherhood. Therefore, the relationship between level of education and births to single women is negative.

Quiz 8: Social Class in the United States

Conflict theorists say the purpose of welfare is to maintain a(n) _______________.