7.3 Poverty as a Social Issue

• Poverty refers to the state of being extremely poor and lacking the means to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter
• The key difference between relative and absolute poverty is that relative poverty is based on economic status compared to others, while absolute poverty is defined by an inability to afford basic necessities
• Match the cause of poverty with an example:

  Unemployment ↔️ A college graduate struggling to find a job

  Low wages ↔️ A retail worker earning minimum wage cannot afford housing

  Lack of education ↔️ A family cannot afford further education for their children

  Discrimination ↔️ A woman is passed over for promotions due to gender discrimination
• Poverty only affects individuals and not their families or communities.

  False
• Poverty can lead to social isolation, stigma, and lack of access to community resources
• Poverty refers to the state of being extremely poor and lacking the means to afford basic necessities.


  True
• Relative poverty is defined in relation to the economic status of others in a society
• What does poverty refer to in high-level academic terms?

  Lack of basic necessities
• There are two main types of poverty: relative and absolute
• Poverty is solely defined by the lack of material resources.

  False
• Match the type of poverty with its definition:

  Relative Poverty ↔️ Poverty defined in relation to others' status

  Absolute Poverty ↔️ Inability to afford survival requirements
• What is an example of relative poverty?

  Income below 60% median
• The distinction between relative and absolute poverty highlights the social and economic inequalities within a society.


  True
• Order the following main causes of poverty:

  1️⃣ Unemployment

  2️⃣ Low wages

  3️⃣ Lack of access to education and healthcare

  4️⃣ Discrimination

  5️⃣ Structural inequalities
• What systemic issue can perpetuate poverty through unequal resource allocation?

  Structural inequalities
• What is a direct outcome of poverty related to community involvement?

  Social exclusion
• Why is addressing the root causes of poverty crucial?

  Improves overall well-being
• Match the government policy with its effect:

  Income Support Programs ↔️ Reduces immediate poverty

  Education and Training Initiatives ↔️ Enhances employability

  Affordable Housing Programs ↔️ Lowers housing costs
• How does the unequal distribution of wealth impact poverty?

  Limits access to resources
• Conflict theory suggests that poverty is a result of exploitation by the ruling class.


  True
• Match the case study with the type of poverty:

  John, lost his factory job ↔️ Relative Poverty

  Maria, migrant worker with low wages ↔️ Absolute Poverty
• Maria's case illustrates absolute poverty due to low wages and lack of access to basic resources.


  True
• John lost his job due to downsizing
• Jamal, a young man from a disadvantaged neighborhood, was denied job opportunities due to discrimination
• John, a single father, lost his job due to downsizing
• Jamal, a young man from a disadvantaged neighborhood, was denied job opportunities due to discrimination
• Poverty is defined as lacking the means to afford basic necessities
• Relative poverty is defined in relation to the economic status of others in a society
• An example of absolute poverty is a family in a developing country unable to afford basic food and shelter
• Unemployment, such as a recent college graduate struggling to find a job, is a main cause of poverty
• Low wages, such as a retail worker earning minimum wage, prevent individuals from escaping poverty
• What systemic issues perpetuate structural inequalities that contribute to poverty?

  Unequal resource distribution
• Poverty can lead to social exclusion, poor health outcomes, and limited educational opportunities.


  True
• Poverty can lead to social exclusion, stigma, and lack of access to community resources
• What is intergenerational poverty?

  Poverty passed down generations
• Government policies like income support, education, and affordable housing are crucial for reducing poverty.

  True
• Unequal distribution of wealth concentrates resources in the hands of a few
• How does limited access to education contribute to poverty?

  Prevents skill acquisition
• How does social stratification contribute to poverty?

  By limiting opportunities
• The unequal distribution of wealth leaves many in poverty with limited access to resources