Social Inequality and Poverty Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the proposed top income tax rate suggested by economist Tony Addison for the highest income earners?

55 percent

65 percent (correct)

50 percent

60 percent

Why are wealth taxes considered important in combating inequality?

Wealth taxes benefit the rich

Wealth tends to be equally distributed

Wealth accumulates over generations (correct)

Wealth taxes eliminate all inequalities

What is necessary for corporations regarding the living wage?

Corporations should prioritize a living wage for all their business relationships (correct)

Corporations should establish a national living wage

Corporations should ignore wage standards

Corporations should prioritize a living wage for their own workers only

What cornerstone aspect is essential for more equal societies regarding workers?

The right to organize Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant current trend in employment that raises concerns about labor stability?

Replacing permanent jobs with temporary labor Signup and view all the answers

What issue is raised concerning international trade agreements?

They are negotiated behind closed doors Signup and view all the answers

What do the new economics aim to achieve according to the content?

Improve the lives of everyone, not just the wealthy Signup and view all the answers

How does social inequality affect health outcomes in society?

Shortens life expectancy and increases mortality rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a conditional cash transfer program?

To provide financial assistance for basic necessities Signup and view all the answers

Which category does not represent a form of social and political inequality listed in the content?

Economic Disparities Signup and view all the answers

What type of project aims to improve living conditions for the poorest segment of society?

Community-driven development initiatives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues is described as still a major challenge for societies worldwide?

Gender Inequality Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected effect of promoting education, science, and technology?

Sustainability of natural resources Signup and view all the answers

Which group is referred to as an ethnic minority in the context provided?

People sharing distinct cultural traits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is cited as a primary factor driving extreme inequality in developing countries?

Illicit outflows of resources Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's population lives with disabilities?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as a lack of adequate financial resources that prevents individuals from acquiring basic necessities for life?

Poverty Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the severe deprivation of basic necessities of life?

Extreme poverty Signup and view all the answers

What does relative poverty relate to?

Inadequate access to goods and services in relation to standards within a country Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social inequality?

Equal distribution of goods Signup and view all the answers

Which government initiative is most likely aimed at addressing social inequalities?

Universal basic income programs Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of social inequalities?

Concentration of resources among privileged groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes rural poverty?

Related to individuals living outside cities and towns Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor contributing to social inequality?

Disparities in wealth distribution Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

UCSP Objectives

Define social inequality
Identify inequalities prevalent in society
Distinguish government programs and initiatives addressing inequalities
Discuss the government programs and initiatives in addressing social inequalities
Propose ways to address social inequalities in society

Lack of access to natural and societal resources
Denial of choices and opportunities
Lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society
Unequal, ineffective, and inefficient allocation of goods and services
Some people have more resources than enough to last their entire lives

Poverty

Lack of adequate financial resources
Lack of the means to subsist or acquire essential necessities for a flourishing life

Classification of Poverty

Absolute (or extreme) poverty
Relative poverty

Absolute (or Extreme) Poverty

Severe deprivation of basic necessities
Minimum standard of living that no one should be below

Relative Poverty

Inadequate access to goods and services compared to the standards in a country
Divided into:
- Rural poverty: Associated with people living outside cities and towns, in agricultural settings
- Urban poverty: Closely linked with large populations in cities and towns

Programs in Alleviating Poverty

Provide better living conditions for the poorest segment of society
Livelihood projects
Education development programs or medical missions
Feeding programs
Microfinance for small-scale livelihoods
Enterprise projects
Community-driven development initiatives
Promotion of education, science, technology, and population development
Natural resource sustainability projects

Conditional Fund Transfer Program

Government (or private entity) provides cash to families living in absolute or relative poverty who meet certain criteria
Goal is to provide accessible financial assistance for basic necessities

Gender inequality: Major issue globally, with discrimination facing girls and women in many areas
Ethnic minorities: Group of people with distinct national or cultural traditions different from the majority
Persons with disabilities: 10% of the world's population, often victims of discrimination, violence, and rape
Global inequalities: Significant difference between the rich, middle class, and poor populations globally, hindering cooperation and potentially compromising progress

Ways to Reduce Inequality Through Economic Democracy

Check on illicit outflows: Inadequate resources in developing countries for health, education, sanitation, and investment in the poorest citizens create extreme inequality
Progressive income tax: How much the highest earners should be taxed is a matter of debate, with proposals such as a top rate of 65% on the top 1% income
Global wealth tax: Wealth accumulates over generations; wealth taxes could help combat extreme inequality
Living wage: Governments should establish and enforce a national living wage for workers and those in related businesses
The right to organize: Workers have the right to organize to have more equal societies
End to labor abuses: Companies replacing permanent employment with temporary or contingent labor
Open and democratic trade policy: International trade agreements should involve all parties; not just bureaucrats and corporate lobbyists
New economics: Economics should value humanitarian values over arcane economic theory and improve the lives of everyone

Five Reasons Why We Need More Equality

Health: Life expectancy and mortality rates are lower in equal societies
Social relationships: Higher levels of social cohesion, trust and social capital exist in equal societies
Human capital development: Higher scores on the UNICEF index of child well-being in equal countries
Economic progress and stability: Poverty reduction is positively impacted by income equality, and more stable economic cycles occur in more equitable societies
Sustainable economies: More equal societies promote the common good, more cooperation between nations and promote development of international environmental agreements

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding social inequality and poverty, including their definitions, classifications, and government initiatives aimed at addressing these issues. It encourages discussion on the prevalent inequalities in society and proposes potential solutions. Perfect for students studying social sciences.