How is the poverty line set in the United States? What purpose does a poverty line serve? Discuss one criticism of the current method for setting the poverty line.

What will be an ideal response?


Answers will vary but should include a definition of the poverty line, which is a threshold of income for a household that determines (for practical purposes) if that household qualifies as "poor." This categorization is determined by the number of people in each household, the geographic location of each household, as well as a formula in which the cost of a nutritionally adequate food plan is multiplied by three. This formula is based on the assumed notion that families spend a third of their total income on food. One criticism is that other necessary expenses are not accounted for. This is important as being labeled officially "poor" allows a family or household to access government subsidies and resources.

Sociology

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Why doesn't the U.S. have a national health care system?

a. The majority of people do not want one. b. Groups with a vested interest in keeping the U.S. from having one organize political opposition. c. The level of income inequality prevents the U.S. from having one. d. The working class is too strong and defeats it each time it comes up.

Sociology

The average number of hours 4 million latchkey children are home alone is:

a. 2 hours a week b. only half an hour a week c. 6.5 hours a week d. 18 hours a week

Sociology

What has prevented paraldehyde from being widely used?

A. Irritation to the gastric system B. Bad taste and odor C. Danger to the CNS D. Danger to the respiratory system

Sociology

Which type of research method studies social life in its natural setting by observing and interviewing people where they live, work, and play?

A. Survey B. Secondary analysis C. Field research D. Experiment

Sociology