Identify and discuss three basic reasons that poverty persists according to sociological research.

What will be an ideal response?


Answers will vary, but should identify the three reasons poverty is said to persist. First, poverty is built into the capitalist system. Capitalism seeks to maximize profits by keeping wages low, and hiring as few workers as possible. This means that people must compete for work, and there is often not enough work to go around. Second, poverty persists because there is competition among social classes. This encourages elite groups to enhance their position by limiting the ability of other groups to access resources. Those who cannot gain access to opportunities or resources end up poor. Third, although the government often acts to reduce poverty and its effects, people often believe that poverty is not the fault of the system. The concept of "if you worked hard enough, you wouldn't be poor" is a common misconception in our society. If a society generally believes that the poor are undeserving of help, government aid will remain limited and may not offset the needs of the poor.

Sociology

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Sociology

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Sociology

SAGE Original Video: A. Javier Trevino Defines Service SociologyProfessor A. Javier Trevino defines service sociology as an action-oriented field, devoted to using theory to help people solve social problems in their own lives. He draws on the example of Jane Addams at Chicago's Hull House.Click on the above link to access the Interactive eBook. Once you've signed in, scroll to page 19, and watch the video. When you've finished watching the video, come back to the test, and answer the following questions:How did Jane Addams help pioneer service sociology in the early 20th century?

A. She provided practical services for immigrant populations arriving in Chicago. B. She opened the first school of social work in Chicago. C. She coined the term "service sociology." D. She urged other sociologists to be more pragmatic.

Sociology

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What will be an ideal response?

Sociology