Poverty and Inequality: Definition, Causes, and Consequences

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a relative measure of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Having less than half the median income

Answer

Living below the poverty line

Answer

Experiencing food insecurity

Answer

Being unable to afford basic necessities

Question 2

What is the main difference between absolute and relative poverty?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty is based on a fixed standard of living, while relative poverty is based on a comparison with others.

Answer

Relative poverty is based on a fixed standard of living, while absolute poverty is based on a comparison with others.

Answer

Absolute poverty is a more accurate measure of poverty than relative poverty.

Answer

Relative poverty is a more accurate measure of poverty than absolute poverty.

Question 3

How do the different definitions of absolute and relative poverty influence their measurement and understanding?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty focuses on a fixed income level, while relative poverty is defined in relation to the average income within a society.

Answer

Relative poverty is more suitable for identifying the causes of poverty, whereas absolute poverty is better for measuring its consequences.

Answer

Absolute poverty is always more prevalent than relative poverty.

Answer

The definition of poverty remains consistent across different societies and cultures.

Question 4

Classify the situation where individuals choose to live a simple and minimalistic lifestyle, intentionally abstaining from material possessions and wealth accumulation, as which type of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary poverty

Answer

Relative poverty

Answer

Absolute poverty

Question 5

Identify the fundamental cause that often leads to absolute poverty in many regions:

Accepted Answer

Severe shortage of essential resources such as food, water, and shelter

Answer

Chronic social isolation

Answer

Inadequate educational opportunities

Answer

Insufficient employment prospects

Question 6

Which aspect of poverty measurement focuses on the disparity in living standards within a society?

Accepted Answer

Relative poverty

Answer

Multidimensional poverty

Answer

Social exclusion

Answer

Absolute deprivation

Question 7

In measuring poverty, a multidimensional approach takes into account a broader range of factors. Which of the following best represents the scope of such an approach?

Accepted Answer

It encompasses indicators such as education, health status, and quality of living conditions.

Answer

It focuses solely on housing and employment status.

Answer

It considers social support networks and political engagement.

Answer

It emphasizes income levels and asset ownership.

Question 8

Identify an organization that plays a significant role in addressing poverty worldwide and is not affiliated with any government:

Accepted Answer

Oxfam International

Answer

International Monetary Fund

Answer

United Nations Development Program

Answer

World Bank

Question 9

Which of the following is a key indicator that an individual or group is experiencing social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Limited involvement in social activities and interactions

Answer

Income below the poverty line

Answer

Substandard housing conditions

Answer

Lack of access to essential healthcare services

Question 10

Which of the following is **NOT** a key characteristic of poverty?

Accepted Answer

High levels of education

Answer

Low income and wealth

Answer

Limited opportunities for social participation

Answer

Inadequate access to basic necessities

Question 11

Which of the following is a potential cause of **intergenerational poverty**?

Accepted Answer

Lack of affordable housing

Answer

Changes in technology

Answer

Political instability

Answer

Globalization

Question 12

The concept of **relative poverty** refers to:

Accepted Answer

Poverty defined in relation to the average income of a society

Answer

Poverty defined by a set of absolute criteria

Answer

Poverty experienced by individuals with disabilities

Question 13

Which of the following is a government policy aimed at reducing **social exclusion**?

Accepted Answer

Universal basic income

Answer

Tax cuts for the wealthy

Answer

Increased military spending

Answer

Deregulation of the financial industry

Question 14

The **feminization of poverty** refers to:

Accepted Answer

The increasing proportion of women living in poverty

Answer

The impact of poverty on women's health

Answer

The role of women in perpetuating poverty

Question 15

The concept of **structural poverty** emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The role of societal structures and institutions in perpetuating poverty

Answer

The individual choices and behaviors that lead to poverty

Answer

The importance of personal responsibility in overcoming poverty

Question 16

Which factor is considered a key determinant of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Low income and inadequate resources

Answer

High levels of education

Answer

Excellent health

Answer

Strong social connections

Question 17

Which type of poverty refers to a lack of opportunities and resources that hinders individuals from participating fully in society?

Accepted Answer

Social exclusion

Answer

Situational poverty

Answer

Absolute poverty

Answer

Relative poverty

Question 18

Which of the following is a known consequence of poverty and social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Poor health outcomes and reduced life expectancy

Answer

Enhanced social mobility

Answer

Improved educational attainment

Answer

Increased job satisfaction

Question 19

Which theoretical perspective views poverty as stemming from individual choices and behaviors, rather than structural factors?

Accepted Answer

Culture of poverty theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Structuralist theory

Question 20

Which government policy or program aims to reduce poverty by providing financial assistance to individuals with low incomes?

Accepted Answer

Welfare

Answer

Healthcare expansion

Answer

Taxation

Answer

Education reform

Question 21

Which characteristic is associated with a multidimensional approach to measuring poverty?

Accepted Answer

Considers various dimensions beyond income, such as health, education, and social status.

Answer

Relies solely on income as an indicator of poverty.

Answer

Focuses exclusively on absolute poverty.

Question 22

Which of the following is a potential benefit of reducing poverty and social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Improved social cohesion, stability, and reduced crime rates.

Answer

Increased healthcare costs.

Answer

Exacerbated social inequalities.

Answer

Lowered economic productivity.

Question 23

Which criticism is often leveled against traditional welfare systems?

Accepted Answer

They have the potential to create dependency and discourage work.

Answer

They are overly generous and provide excessive support.

Answer

They are only accessible to a select few.

Answer

They are ineffective in alleviating poverty.

Question 24

Which of the following is widely accepted as a major underlying cause of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to quality education

Answer

Bad luck

Answer

Laziness

Answer

Personal choice

Question 25

Which of the following is a recognized consequence of social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Poor physical and mental health outcomes

Answer

Higher levels of educational attainment

Answer

Increased wealth

Answer

Improved social status

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of intersectionality in relation to poverty?

Accepted Answer

A woman of color experiencing discrimination in the job market due to both her gender and racial identity.

Answer

A homeless person who is also a drug addict.

Answer

A disabled person who lives in a rural area.

Question 27

Which of the following is a strength of using qualitative research methods to study poverty?

Accepted Answer

Provides rich and in-depth insights into the lived experiences of individuals in poverty.

Answer

Is less time-consuming than quantitative methods.

Answer

Can be easily generalized to a wider population.

Question 28

Which of the following is a criticism of the use of poverty thresholds as a measure of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Poverty thresholds can vary significantly across countries and time periods, making comparisons difficult.

Answer

Poverty thresholds provide a clear and objective definition of poverty.

Answer

Poverty thresholds capture all dimensions of poverty.

Answer

Poverty thresholds are easy to calculate.

Question 29

Which of the following is a key characteristic of absolute poverty?

Accepted Answer

Individuals lack the basic necessities for survival, such as adequate food, shelter, and clothing.

Answer

Individuals experience social exclusion from their community.

Answer

Individuals have limited access to education and healthcare.

Question 30

Which of the following is a significant challenge faced by those experiencing social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination and prejudice based on factors such as race, gender, or disability.

Answer

Affordable housing

Answer

Stable employment

Answer

Access to high-quality education

Question 31

Which of the following is considered a 'structural cause' of poverty, as opposed to an individual cause?

Accepted Answer

High unemployment rates

Answer

An individual's lack of education

Answer

Personal choices and lifestyle

Answer

A person experiencing poor health

Question 32

Long-term poverty can have serious consequences for individuals. Which of these is a likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Reduced life expectancy

Answer

Greater social mobility

Answer

More career opportunities

Answer

Improved academic performance

Question 33

What does social exclusion primarily refer to?

Accepted Answer

Being prevented from participating fully in society

Answer

Having limited access to healthcare

Answer

Living in poor housing conditions

Answer

Earning a low income

Question 34

Governments implement policies to tackle poverty. Which of these is directly aimed at reducing poverty?

Accepted Answer

Providing a Universal Basic Income

Answer

Reducing welfare benefits and support

Answer

Privatizing public services like healthcare

Answer

Implementing tax cuts for wealthy individuals

Question 35

Which of these organisations is a non-governmental organization (NGO) actively working to combat poverty?

Accepted Answer

Oxfam

Answer

World Health Organization (WHO)

Answer

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Answer

The United Nations Security Council

Question 36

Which of the following is the most accurate example of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

The division of society into distinct social classes

Answer

Experiences of discrimination based on race or ethnicity

Answer

Variations in educational achievement among people

Answer

Differences in income levels between individuals

Question 37

What is considered a fundamental factor contributing to inequality within society?

Accepted Answer

Unequal control over resources and power

Answer

The occurrence of natural disasters

Answer

The impacts of climate change and environmental issues

Answer

Advancements in technology and innovation

Question 38

Social inequality can have far-reaching consequences. Which of these is a potential negative outcome?

Accepted Answer

Increased social unrest and instability

Answer

Stronger social cohesion and unity

Answer

Improved economic growth and development

Answer

A decrease in crime rates and violence

Question 39

Which of the following is considered a key indicator of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to basic necessities

Answer

High levels of education

Answer

Strong social network

Answer

Stable employment

Question 40

Which of the following is a consequence of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of physical and mental health problems

Answer

Enhanced educational opportunities

Answer

Greater social mobility

Question 41

What is the difference between absolute and relative poverty?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Absolute poverty is temporary, while relative poverty is permanent.

Question 42

What are the three main policy approaches to addressing poverty?

Accepted Answer

Welfare provision, income redistribution, and social investment

Answer

Education, healthcare, and housing

Answer

Taxation, monetary policy, and fiscal policy

Question 43

What is the impact of social exclusion on individuals?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and low self-esteem.

Answer

It increases individuals' access to resources and support.

Answer

It provides individuals with opportunities to develop new skills and networks.

Question 44

What is the role of education in reducing poverty?

Accepted Answer

It can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to escape poverty.

Answer

It has no impact on poverty levels.

Answer

It increases poverty levels by creating a divide between the educated and uneducated.

Question 45

What is the difference between income inequality and wealth inequality?

Accepted Answer

Income inequality is the uneven distribution of income, while wealth inequality is the uneven distribution of assets and property.

Answer

Income inequality is more common in developing countries, while wealth inequality is more prevalent in developed countries.

Question 46

What is the main criticism of trickle-down economics?

Accepted Answer

It often fails to benefit the poorest and most vulnerable in society.

Answer

It leads to inflation.

Answer

It is too expensive to implement.

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

Relative deprivation

Answer

Inadequate nutrition

Answer

Short life expectancy

Answer

Lack of basic necessities

Question 48

According to the relative poverty line, which of the following individuals is considered poor?

Accepted Answer

A person earning 50% less than the national median income

Answer

A person earning the national minimum wage

Answer

A person living in a council house

Question 49

Which of the following is a structural cause of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to quality education

Answer

Mental illness

Answer

Personal irresponsibility

Answer

Low self-esteem

Question 50

How does poverty impact health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

It increases the risk of chronic diseases, mental health problems, and premature death.

Answer

It improves access to healthcare services.

Answer

It does not significantly affect health.

Question 51

Which of the following policies aims to reduce poverty through direct financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Social security benefits

Answer

Educational reforms

Answer

Healthcare subsidies

Answer

Job creation programs

Question 52

How does social exclusion differ from poverty?

Accepted Answer

It refers to the lack of participation in mainstream society, regardless of income level.

Answer

It only affects individuals with low incomes.

Answer

It is a less severe form of poverty.

Question 53

Which of the following is a key indicator of social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to social networks and support systems

Answer

Homelessness

Answer

Low income

Question 54

How does social exclusion affect individuals?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, and reduced opportunities.

Answer

It has no significant impact on individuals.

Answer

It only affects people who are unemployed.

Question 55

What is the role of education in reducing poverty and social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

It provides individuals with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to improve their life chances.

Answer

It only benefits the wealthy.

Answer

It has no impact on poverty or social exclusion.