Chapter 5 - Poverty and Inequality

Question 1

A measure used to designate survival at the most basic level. Measures have been established to determine which people live above and below the poverty level.

Answer 1

Absolute Poverty

Question 2

The tendency for those living in poverty to be women, because of their workplace disadvantages and greater responsibility for children.

Answer 2

Feminization of Poverty

Question 3

Most commonly, a person’s or household’s wages for work provided; in some contexts, this may include all money brought into a household in a year, whether as wages, the proceeds of investments, or cash benefits through government support programs.

Answer 3

Income

Question 4

The persistently unequal distribution of wealth, income, and power.

Answer 4

Inequality

Question 5

Lacking basic needs or resources, such as money and all that it buys—food, clothing, housing, transportation, and medical care.

Answer 5

Poverty

Question 6

The official measure of poverty, adjusted each year to account for inflation; also referred to as the poverty threshold or poverty index.

Answer 6

Poverty Line (Poverty Threshold or Poverty Index)

Question 7

Social services that are means tested.

Answer 7

Public Assistance

Question 8

A measure that compares a person’s wages with what is the norm or average to determine whether that person is experiencing poverty.

Answer 8

Relative Poverty

Question 9

Programs to prevent poverty, such as Social Security and workers compensation.

Answer 9

Social Insurance

Question 10

A person’s or family’s accumulation of valuable resources and possessions.

Answer 10

Wealth