Poverty in the United States: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Question 1

What is a major factor contributing to poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Limited access to education and jobs

Accepted Answer

Government policies that increase wealth inequality

Answer

High crime rates

Answer

Frequent natural disasters

Question 2

Which consequence of poverty can worsen health and education, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage?

Accepted Answer

Social isolation and discrimination

Answer

Political instability

Answer

Environmental pollution

Answer

International conflict

Question 3

Which of the following is **NOT** a primary cause of poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Generous government welfare programs

Answer

Lack of affordable housing

Answer

Insufficient access to quality education

Answer

Low-wage jobs

Question 4

Absolute poverty refers to:

Accepted Answer

Lacking basic necessities like food, clean water, and shelter

Answer

Living on less than a certain income

Answer

Experiencing social exclusion and discrimination

Answer

Being unemployed for an extended period.

Question 5

Which government program in the United States provides **financial assistance** to low-income families with children?

Accepted Answer

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Answer

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Answer

Medicaid

Answer

Social Security

Question 6

Poverty in the United States disproportionately affects which racial group?

Accepted Answer

African Americans

Answer

White Americans

Answer

Asian Americans

Answer

Hispanic Americans

Question 7

Which of the following is a **qualitative** research method used to study poverty?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 8

What type of poverty is defined as a lack of resources needed to maintain a specific living standard in society?

Accepted Answer

Relative poverty

Answer

Absolute poverty

Answer

Situational poverty

Answer

Chronic poverty

Question 9

Which U.S. government program provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with children?

Accepted Answer

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Answer

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Answer

Medicaid

Answer

Social Security

Question 10

How do cultural beliefs and social norms shape the experiences of poverty in different communities?

Accepted Answer

Cultural beliefs influence how people define poverty, their sense of control, and how they cope with it.

Accepted Answer

Social norms can lead to stigma and discrimination against people and communities in poverty.

Answer

Cultural beliefs have no impact on economic status or financial behaviors.

Answer

Social norms do not affect how resources and opportunities are distributed in society.

Question 11

What type of poverty refers to an individual's inability to meet fundamental requirements like food, shelter, and clothing?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty

Answer

Relative poverty

Answer

Chronic poverty

Answer

Transient poverty

Question 12

What is the primary distinction between absolute and relative poverty?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty is defined by fixed income levels, while relative poverty is compared to society's median income.

Answer

Relative poverty is defined by specific income levels, while absolute poverty is compared to society's average income.

Answer

Absolute poverty is short-term, while relative poverty is long-term.

Answer

Relative poverty is caused by personal failures, while absolute poverty is caused by external factors.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Personal irresponsibility

Answer

Lack of educational opportunities

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Structural inequalities

Question 14

Which type of poverty measures the extent to which an individual falls below society's average standard of living?

Accepted Answer

Relative poverty

Answer

Absolute poverty

Answer

Situational poverty

Answer

Chronic poverty

Question 15

The poverty line is commonly defined as:

Accepted Answer

The income level below which an individual is considered poor

Answer

The wealth level below which an individual is considered poor

Answer

The cost of basic necessities

Answer

The median income of a society

Question 16

The phenomenon of working but still living in poverty is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Working poverty

Answer

Underemployed poverty

Answer

Hidden poverty

Answer

Persistent poverty

Question 17

How do social institutions contribute to the persistence of poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Social institutions contribute to poverty by creating systemic barriers that limit opportunities.

Answer

Social institutions can only reduce poverty, not perpetuate it.

Answer

Social institutions play no role in perpetuating poverty.

Question 18

How do the experiences of poverty differ between rural communities in developing countries and urban communities in developed countries?

Accepted Answer

Poverty experiences may differ due to factors such as access to resources, social support systems, and cultural values.

Answer

Poverty is always a result of individual choices and behaviors.

Answer

Poverty is only a problem in developing countries.

Answer

The experience of poverty is the same everywhere in the world.

Question 19

What type of poverty refers to a situation where individuals have difficulty meeting their basic needs for survival, such as food, shelter, and healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty

Answer

Relative poverty

Answer

Chronic poverty

Answer

Situational poverty

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a potential policy solution to address poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Reducing taxes for low-income families

Answer

Expanding access to affordable housing

Answer

Investing in early childhood education and healthcare

Answer

Providing job training and placement services

Question 21

Which U.S. government program provides rental assistance to low-income families?

Accepted Answer

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Answer

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Answer

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Answer

Medicaid

Question 22

What type of poverty is caused by temporary or unexpected events, such as job loss or a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Situational poverty

Answer

Absolute poverty

Answer

Generational poverty

Answer

Chronic poverty

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark of absolute poverty?

Accepted Answer

Having a stable income that meets basic needs

Answer

Lack of access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter

Answer

Living on less than $1.90 per day

Answer

Experiencing social exclusion and discrimination

Question 24

Relative poverty refers to:

Accepted Answer

Being below the poverty line of a particular society or region

Answer

Lacking access to basic necessities

Answer

Living on less than $5 per day

Answer

Experiencing chronic unemployment

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a potential solution to addressing poverty?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating welfare programs and social safety nets

Answer

Expanding access to affordable and quality education

Answer

Providing affordable housing and shelter

Answer

Raising the minimum wage and increasing job opportunities

Question 26

What is the primary distinction between the culture of poverty and structural poverty perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Culture of poverty theory emphasizes individual choices and responsibility, while structural poverty theory focuses on systemic factors.

Answer

Structural poverty theory highlights institutional barriers, while culture of poverty theory emphasizes the importance of personal agency.

Answer

Culture of poverty theory suggests poverty is caused by laziness, while structural poverty theory attributes it to lack of opportunities.

Answer

There is no clear distinction between the two viewpoints.

Question 27

What does the concept of intersectionality describe in the context of poverty?

Accepted Answer

How various forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, and classism, intersect to create unique experiences of poverty.

Answer

How poverty affects different demographic groups in distinct ways.

Answer

How poverty can be transmitted from one generation to the next.

Answer

How poverty is linked to other social issues, such as crime and homelessness.

Question 28

What term best describes a situation where individuals have access to essential resources for survival but still struggle to meet their basic needs?

Accepted Answer

Relative poverty

Answer

Absolute poverty

Answer

Situational poverty

Answer

Chronic poverty

Question 29

Which government program offers temporary financial assistance to low-income families with dependent children?

Accepted Answer

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Answer

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Answer

Medicaid

Answer

Social Security

Question 30

What is a key aspect of a multidimensional approach to poverty reduction?

Accepted Answer

Addressing multiple dimensions of poverty, such as income, health, education, and social inclusion

Answer

Focusing solely on increasing income levels

Answer

Providing temporary assistance to individuals and families in need

Answer

Punishing individuals who remain in poverty due to personal choices

Question 31

In the context of poverty, what is the term 'intergenerational poverty' used to describe?

Accepted Answer

Poverty that persists across multiple generations of a family

Answer

Poverty that is caused by factors outside the control of individuals

Answer

Poverty that is concentrated in certain geographical areas

Answer

Poverty that is the result of individual choices

Question 32

What is a key difference between the poverty rate in the United States and other developed countries?

Accepted Answer

The poverty rate in the US is significantly higher

Answer

The poverty rate in the US is significantly lower

Answer

The poverty rate in the US is similar

Answer

There is no significant difference

Question 33

Identify a characteristic that does NOT define absolute poverty:

Accepted Answer

Ability to meet minimum essential needs

Answer

Lack of access to basic necessities

Answer

Low income and limited resources

Answer

Social exclusion and discrimination

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a negative consequence of poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Increased crime rates

Answer

Poor health outcomes

Answer

Reduced educational attainment

Question 35

How do cultural perspectives shape our understanding and response to poverty?

Accepted Answer

Understanding cultural perspectives is crucial for developing effective anti-poverty programs.

Answer

Cultural definitions of poverty focus solely on economic factors.

Answer

All cultures agree on the causes and solutions to poverty.

Question 36

Define absolute poverty as a condition where individuals lack what is necessary for:

Accepted Answer

Survival

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Self-sufficiency

Answer

Comfort

Question 37

Which of the following is considered a potential solution to alleviating poverty?

Accepted Answer

Increasing access to affordable housing

Answer

Cutting taxes for the wealthy

Answer

Eliminating social welfare programs

Answer

Reducing interest rates

Question 38

Relative poverty is a condition where individuals fall below a certain _____ within their society.

Accepted Answer

Income threshold

Answer

Education level

Answer

Social status

Answer

Health status

Question 39

Which of the following is a major consequence of poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of chronic health conditions

Answer

Improved employment prospects

Answer

Greater political participation

Answer

Enhanced educational opportunities

Question 40

Which of the following factors perpetuates ongoing cycles of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Limited access to quality education

Answer

Abundance of natural resources

Answer

High levels of government regulation

Answer

Strong social safety net

Question 41

Absolute poverty is measured using indicators such as:

Accepted Answer

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation

Answer

Political participation

Answer

Level of wealth and consumption

Answer

Social mobility rates

Question 42

Which of the following individuals is most likely to be affected by poverty?

Accepted Answer

A single parent with low job skills

Answer

A college graduate with a high-paying job

Answer

A retired couple with a substantial pension

Answer

A family with multiple income earners

Question 43

Relative poverty is often measured using income inequality measures such as the:

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Human Development Index

Answer

Purchasing Power Parity

Answer

Consumer Price Index

Question 44

Which of the following is a potential benefit of reducing poverty in society?

Accepted Answer

Improved public health outcomes

Answer

Reduced economic growth

Answer

Increased crime rates

Answer

Weakened family structures

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a primary cause of poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Climate change

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Lack of education and job opportunities

Answer

Inadequate housing and healthcare

Question 46

What is the key difference between absolute and relative poverty?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty refers to a lack of basic necessities for survival, while relative poverty is defined in relation to the living standards of a society.

Answer

Absolute poverty is caused by external factors, while relative poverty is caused by internal factors.

Question 47

Which of the following is a potential solution to reducing poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Increasing access to affordable education, healthcare, and housing

Answer

Reducing taxes on wealthy individuals

Answer

Deregulating the financial industry

Question 48

How does poverty impact children in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Children in poverty are more likely to experience educational and health challenges.

Answer

Children in poverty are more likely to become criminals.

Answer

Children in poverty are more likely to be adopted by wealthy families.

Question 49

What is a defining feature of generational poverty?

Accepted Answer

It is passed down from one generation to the next, creating a cycle of disadvantage.

Answer

It can be overcome quickly with hard work and determination.

Answer

It is caused by laziness and irresponsibility.

Question 50

How can education play a role in addressing poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Education can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to obtain better-paying jobs and break the cycle of poverty.

Answer

Education has no impact on poverty.

Question 51

Which criticism is often leveled against the welfare system in the United States?

Accepted Answer

It can create a cycle of dependency, making it difficult for individuals to escape poverty.

Answer

It is only available to non-citizens.

Answer

It is too generous.

Answer

It is not effective in reducing poverty.

Question 52

What are the primary ethical considerations raised by poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Poverty challenges our notions of social justice, equality, and the responsibility of society to assist those in need.

Answer

Poverty is a moral failing.

Question 53

Which measure is used by the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the poverty level?

Accepted Answer

Poverty threshold

Answer

Human Development Index

Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Multidimensional Poverty Index

Question 54

How is poverty linked to health outcomes in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Poverty is strongly correlated with worse health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic diseases and lower life expectancy.

Answer

Poverty has no impact on health outcomes.