Economic Factors in Social Inequality: Impact on Wealth, Income, and Access

Question 1

Which economic factor significantly contributes to social inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Wealth concentrated among the wealthiest individuals

Answer

Universal healthcare

Answer

Government assistance for low-income families

Question 2

Identify the primary factor influencing social inequality in the United States:

Accepted Answer

Wealth distribution

Answer

Access to education

Answer

Political participation

Answer

Cultural values

Question 3

Describe the relationship between economic inequality and social mobility:

Accepted Answer

The relationship is complex and varies

Answer

High economic inequality hinders social mobility

Answer

Economic inequality has no impact on social mobility

Answer

Economic inequality can promote social mobility for some

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the trend in economic inequality in the United States over the last several decades?

Accepted Answer

A widening gap between the richest and poorest

Answer

A consistent decline

Answer

A steady increase

Answer

No significant change

Question 5

Which of the following government policies is specifically designed to reduce income inequality?

Accepted Answer

Minimum wage increase

Answer

Flat tax

Answer

Voucher system for private schools

Answer

Corporate tax cuts

Question 6

The concept of 'structural inequality' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Inequality that is embedded within institutions and societal structures

Answer

Inequality that is caused solely by individual choices and behaviors

Answer

Inequality that is based on physical characteristics

Answer

Inequality that arises only during short-term crises

Question 7

The concept of 'occupational prestige' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The level of respect and social status associated with a particular occupation

Answer

The amount of income earned by workers in a particular occupation

Answer

The level of education required for a particular occupation

Answer

The physical demands of a particular occupation

Question 8

The 'social mobility ladder' concept suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is largely influenced by factors beyond an individual's control

Answer

Upward mobility is readily achievable for anyone with hard work and determination

Answer

Social mobility rates have remained constant over time

Answer

Social mobility is only possible through inheritance

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of income inequality?

Accepted Answer

Improved overall healthcare outcomes for all

Answer

Increased poverty levels

Answer

Reduced economic mobility for low-income individuals

Answer

Heightened social tensions

Question 10

What is the concept of 'structural inequality'?

Accepted Answer

Inequality that is ingrained in the very fabric of social institutions and structures

Answer

Inequality that arises from individual characteristics or choices

Answer

Inequality that is temporary and can be easily remedied

Answer

Inequality that is caused by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary factor contributing to economic inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Government intervention

Answer

Wealth distribution

Answer

Income disparity

Answer

Access to education and healthcare

Question 12

How does income inequality directly affect access to healthcare in the United States?

Accepted Answer

It restricts access to affordable healthcare options for those with lower incomes.

Answer

It universally increases healthcare costs for all citizens.

Answer

It elevates the quality of healthcare for everyone.

Answer

It has no significant impact on accessibility to healthcare.

Question 13

How does the United States compare to other developed countries in terms of economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

It has the highest level of economic inequality among developed nations.

Answer

It has a lower level of economic inequality than most developed nations.

Answer

It has a comparable level of economic inequality to most developed nations.

Answer

Cross-country comparisons are challenging due to variations in data collection.

Question 14

Which factor does NOT contribute to the persistence of economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Individual initiative

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Government policies

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of healthcare inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Improved public health outcomes due to increased awareness and access to healthcare services

Answer

Higher mortality rates among low-income individuals

Answer

Reduced access to preventive care, leading to poorer health outcomes

Answer

Increased financial burden on families struggling to afford medical expenses

Question 16

Which factor is considered a primary driver of wealth distribution inequity in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Inheritance and financial capital, where wealth is passed down through generations, concentrating it among a few.

Answer

Rising housing costs, making homeownership increasingly difficult for many.

Answer

Low wages for essential workers, who struggle to make ends meet despite their contributions to society.

Answer

Limited access to healthcare, which can lead to high medical expenses and financial hardship.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the concept of income inequality?

Accepted Answer

The disparity in earnings between different income brackets, creating gaps between the wealthy and the less affluent.

Answer

The unequal distribution of wealth among individuals or households, leading to disparities in financial resources.

Answer

The gap in access to healthcare and education based on socioeconomic status, resulting in unequal opportunities.

Answer

The difference in income between countries, reflecting variations in economic development.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of restricted access to quality education?

Accepted Answer

Improved health outcomes

Answer

Reduced earning potential

Answer

Fewer job opportunities

Answer

Increased risk of poverty

Question 19

How does economic inequality affect political involvement in the United States?

Accepted Answer

It gives the wealthiest individuals and businesses more political clout.

Answer

It boosts political participation for both the wealthy and the poor.

Answer

It results in increased voter turnout and more competitive elections.

Answer

It has no noticeable effect on political participation.

Question 20

Which of the following is a primary contributor to income inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth

Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Universal healthcare

Answer

Free education

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of wealth concentration?

Accepted Answer

Increased economic mobility

Answer

Reduced access to resources for lower-income individuals

Answer

Exacerbated income inequality

Answer

Increased political influence of the wealthy

Question 22

How does healthcare access contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Disparities in healthcare access perpetuate health inequalities and reinforce social stratification.

Answer

Universal healthcare eliminates social stratification related to health.

Answer

It has no significant impact on social stratification.

Question 23

Which of the following policies has been proposed as a potential solution to address economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Regressive taxation

Answer

Flat tax

Answer

Elimination of all taxes

Question 24

How does 'structural inequality' differ from 'individual-based' inequality?

Accepted Answer

Structural inequality focuses on systemic factors beyond individual control, while individual-based inequality emphasizes personal choices and actions.

Answer

They are essentially the same concept.

Question 25

Which of the following is an example of a social policy designed to reduce economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Universal basic income

Answer

Deregulation of industries

Answer

Privatization of public services

Answer

Tax cuts for corporations

Question 26

How does economic inequality impact individuals' life opportunities?

Accepted Answer

It can limit their access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities.

Answer

It has no significant impact on life opportunities.

Answer

It provides more opportunities for upward mobility.

Question 27

Which of the following factors does NOT perpetuate social inequality in the US?

Accepted Answer

Equal access to opportunities

Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Wealth inheritance

Answer

Discrimination

Question 28

How does economic inequality intersect with other forms of social inequality, such as racial inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality can compound existing racial inequalities and hinder opportunities for marginalized groups.

Answer

Economic inequality is independent of other forms of social inequality.

Question 29

Income inequality can lead to which of the following consequences?

Accepted Answer

Limited access to quality education and healthcare services

Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Reduced poverty rates

Answer

Equal opportunities for all citizens

Question 30

Which of the following is a potential solution to address income inequality?

Accepted Answer

Implementation of progressive taxation and wealth redistribution policies

Answer

Elimination of government assistance programs

Answer

Deregulation of industries and reduction of minimum wage

Question 31

A defining feature of economic inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution and access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Equal distribution of wealth and income

Answer

Fair and just social policies

Question 32

Which of the following highlights how education can contribute to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Disparities in access to quality education based on socioeconomic status

Answer

Equal opportunities for all students regardless of background

Answer

Free and universal education for all citizens

Question 33

Societies with high levels of economic inequality are often characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Low social mobility and limited avenues for economic advancement

Answer

Equal distribution of wealth and income

Answer

High levels of social cohesion and trust

Question 34

Which of the following is a potential advantage of reducing economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced social mobility and increased economic growth

Answer

Reduced government spending on social programs

Answer

Lower tax rates for high-income earners

Question 35

A limitation of using income as a measure of economic inequality is that it:

Accepted Answer

Does not account for wealth and assets, which contribute to economic disparities

Answer

Captures all forms of economic inequality, including income, wealth, and education

Answer

Is a reliable and objective measure of financial well-being

Question 36

A current trend in economic inequality is:

Accepted Answer

A widening wealth gap between the most and least affluent segments of society

Answer

Equalization of wealth distribution through government policies

Answer

Decreasing income inequality across all socioeconomic groups

Question 37

Which of the following is a primary factor contributing to social stratification in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Wealth distribution

Answer

Gender inequality

Answer

Racial discrimination

Answer

Geographical location

Question 38

Income inequality refers to:

Accepted Answer

The unequal distribution of income among individuals or households.

Answer

The average income of a population.

Answer

The percentage of people living in poverty.

Answer

The difference in income between the richest and poorest.

Question 39

How does access to quality healthcare contribute to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with better access to healthcare are more likely to be healthier and have longer life expectancies, leading to disparities in opportunities and outcomes.

Answer

Access to healthcare has no impact on social inequality.

Answer

Healthcare costs are the primary cause of poverty in the United States.

Answer

Only the wealthy have access to quality healthcare.

Question 40

How does the concept of 'social mobility' relate to economic factors?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is influenced by economic factors such as wealth, income, and access to education, affecting individuals' ability to move between socioeconomic strata.

Answer

Social mobility is not relevant to the study of economic inequality.

Answer

Economic factors have a negligible impact on social mobility.

Answer

Social mobility is primarily determined by personal choices and effort, unabhängig of economic circumstances.

Question 41

Which of the following is an example of a government policy implemented to reduce economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation, where individuals with higher incomes pay a larger percentage of their earnings in taxes.

Answer

Deregulation of the banking industry, reducing government oversight and regulations.

Answer

Elimination of social welfare programs, reducing government assistance to low-income individuals.

Answer

Flat tax, where all individuals pay the same percentage of their income in taxes.

Question 42

How can high levels of economic inequality impact the level of trust within a society?

Accepted Answer

Significant economic inequality can erode trust between different socioeconomic groups, leading to social divisions and mistrust.

Answer

Economic inequality fosters trust and cooperation within a society.

Answer

Economic inequality has no impact on trust levels within a society.

Answer

Trust is primarily influenced by cultural and religious factors, not economic inequality.

Question 43

How do economic factors interact with other dimensions of inequality, such as race and gender?

Accepted Answer

Economic factors can intersect with race and gender to create unique and complex forms of social inequality.

Answer

Economic factors are independent of other forms of inequality, such as race and gender.

Answer

Economic factors only affect inequality for certain racial and gender groups.

Answer

Race and gender have a greater impact on social inequality than economic factors.

Question 44

Which of the following is a primary factor contributing to wealth inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of income and wealth, influenced by inheritance patterns

Answer

Equal access to education for all

Answer

Government policies that promote social mobility

Answer

Universal healthcare coverage

Question 45

Income inequality refers to:

Accepted Answer

Disparities in the distribution of income across different segments of the population

Answer

Government intervention in the free market economy

Answer

Economic growth and prosperity experienced by all citizens

Question 46

How does access to education contribute to perpetuating social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with limited access to quality education may have reduced opportunities for social and economic advancement

Answer

Education guarantees increased economic opportunities for everyone

Answer

Equal access to education ensures social mobility for all

Question 47

What is a potential consequence of limited access to healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Widening health disparities between different socioeconomic groups

Answer

Reduced infant mortality rates for all citizens

Answer

Improved overall health outcomes in the population

Question 48

The Gini coefficient is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Quantify the level of income inequality within a population

Answer

Compare wealth distribution across different countries

Answer

Predict future economic growth

Answer

Calculate the average income of a society

Question 49

How does social stratification based on economic factors affect an individual's life chances?

Accepted Answer

Individuals may face constraints in accessing resources, education, and opportunities due to their socioeconomic background

Answer

Enhanced personal freedom and autonomy

Answer

Increased upward mobility and social equality for all

Question 50

Which government policy is designed to reduce income inequality?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation, where individuals with higher incomes pay a higher percentage of taxes

Answer

Privatization of public services, reducing government spending on social programs

Answer

Deregulation of industries, allowing businesses to operate with fewer restrictions

Answer

Flat tax rates for all income levels, regardless of income amount

Question 51

How can economic growth contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

If economic growth is not distributed fairly, it can exacerbate existing inequalities

Answer

Economic growth has no impact on social inequality

Answer

Economic growth always leads to reduced poverty and improved social mobility

Question 52

What is a key criticism of trickle-down economics?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of economic growth may not trickle down to lower socioeconomic groups

Answer

Stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship

Answer

Promotes job creation

Question 53

Which of the following is a potential negative impact of high levels of economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social unrest and political instability due to widespread economic disparities

Answer

Increased economic growth

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Answer

Improved social mobility for all