4 Social Structures and Poverty Free Online FlashCards

How do poverty and inequality differ?

Poverty means having resources below a defined threshold; inequality describes how income or wealth is distributed across society.

What does the Official Poverty Measure count?

The OPM compares pretax cash income with a threshold that varies by family size and composition, but not location. It excludes noncash benefits and tax credits.

What does human-capital theory emphasize?

Human-capital theory emphasizes how education, training, and skills influence productivity and earnings.

When is a household commonly considered cost-burdened by housing?

A household spending more than 30% of its income on housing is commonly described as cost-burdened.

How can family composition affect economic security?

Household composition affects both available resources and needs: one income supporting several people may stretch less far, while caregiving can limit paid work.

How does the material explain racial wealth disparities?

Racial wealth disparities are shaped by social and institutional conditions, including differences in employment, earnings, homeownership, inherited resources, and access to assets.

What role can a safety net play in reducing poverty?

An effective safety net provides cash and in-kind supports that help households meet basic needs and buffer income shocks.

What distinguishes income from wealth?

Income is a flow of resources over time; wealth is accumulated assets minus debts.

How does the Supplemental Poverty Measure broaden poverty measurement?

The SPM counts certain government benefits and tax credits, subtracts taxes and necessary expenses, and adjusts thresholds for housing costs and tenure.

What does labor-market segmentation theory distinguish?

Labor-market segmentation theory distinguishes stable, better-paid jobs from low-wage jobs with unpredictable hours, few benefits, and limited advancement.

What is cumulative disadvantage?

Cumulative disadvantage occurs when early and repeated barriers reinforce one another, such as low family wealth limiting housing options and later opportunities.

What does intersectionality examine?

Intersectionality examines how social positions—such as race, gender, class, and family status—combine to shape experience.