How is the poverty line set in the U.S.? What purpose does a poverty line serve? Discuss one criticism of the current method for setting the poverty line. What is one strategy that families use to manage poverty?

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 number is set by the number of people in the household, the geographic location of the household, and is determined by a formula in which the cost of a nutritionally adequate food plan is multiplied by three. This is because it is assumed that a family spends a third of its total budget on food. One criticism is that other necessary expenses are not accounted for, or that it is a formula that does not count many people who are poor as below the poverty line. This is important because being labeled as officially "poor" allows a family or household to access government subsidies and resources.

Sociology

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___________ Power that is legitimated by an individual's exceptional personal attributes, such as a magnetic personality, an extraordinary driving energy, or a powerful aura of wisdom and grace

What will be an ideal response?

Sociology

Which of the following statements is true of the impact of social class on health?

A. The lower the family income, the greater the likelihood of adults experiencing two or more chronic diseases as early as age 45. B. The lower the family income, the lesser the likelihood of a sedentary lifestyle because of limited recreational facilities. C. The lower the family income, the lesser the likelihood of stress. D. The lower the family income, the lesser the likelihood of occupational injuries. E. The lower the family income, the greater the access to health care services.

Sociology

The principle of economic determinism suggests that

a. capitalism is the basis for the unfolding of history. b. social unity is brought about through a society's economy. c. a society's economy shapes the rest of its other systems. d. social unity is based on a complex set of highly specialized roles. e. the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Sociology

Michelle has spent the past year among a subculture of twentysomethings who all listen to the same kind of music. She spends time with them, participates in their events, and observes their interactions and behaviors. All the while, she records what she witnesses in her field notebook. What kind of sociological research best describes what Michelle is doing?

a. survey research b. ethnography c. experimental research d. comparative research

Sociology