Question

Most social scientists define the poor as being the lowest __________ recipients. \((\mathrm{LO4})\) a) 10 d) 40 b) 20 e) 50 c) 3

Short answer

The correct answer to the question "Most social scientists define the poor as being the lowest __________ recipients" is \(b) 20\).

Step-by-step solution

Review the choices

Review the options provided: a) 10 b) 20 c) 3 d) 40 e) 50

Select the appropriate threshold

According to most social scientists, the poor are generally defined as the lowest 20% income recipients.

Identify the correct answer

As the problem asks for the percentage that represents the poor, the correct answer is: \(b) 20\)

Key concepts

Income Distribution

Income distribution refers to the way in which a nation's total earnings are spread amongst its population. An even income distribution would mean that every person earns the same amount, but this is not the case in any country. Instead, we typically see a spectrum where some have higher incomes and some have lower. The 'lowest 20% income recipients' mentioned in the exercise refers to the bottom quintile in the income distribution of a society. This segment of the population is typically used as a benchmark to analyze poverty levels.
Understanding income distribution is crucial because it often paints a picture of the economic health of a society. For example, a highly uneven distribution can be a sign of economic inequality and potential social unrest. On the other hand, if income is more equitably distributed, it can be indicative of widespread economic welfare. Economists and policymakers often use income distribution data to design and implement policies to promote fairness and reduce poverty.

Social Sciences

Social sciences encompass a broad range of disciplines that study society and the relationships among individuals within a society. This includes anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and many others. Each of these disciplines contributes to our understanding of poverty thresholds and economic issues. Social scientists analyze the factors contributing to poverty, such as government policies, market forces, education, and discrimination.
In the context of the exercise, social scientists define the 'poor' as those at the lower end of the income distribution scale, specifically identifying the lowest 20% of income recipients. This operational definition allows researchers to quantify and study the effects of poverty on individuals and society. By analyzing how the poor live and the challenges they face, social scientists can contribute to the development of targeted interventions to support this vulnerable group.

Economic Inequality

Economic inequality, one of the core concepts behind understanding poverty thresholds, deals with the extent of disparity in wealth and income between individuals in a group, communities within a nation, or countries. It's a measure of how income and wealth are unevenly distributed across society. This inequality is often represented graphically by the Lorenz curve and numerically by the Gini coefficient, which provide a way to assess how far a society deviates from perfect equality.
When a small percentage of the population holds a large portion of a country's total income or wealth, we witness a high level of economic inequality. This can have far-reaching implications, from affecting individual quality of life to influencing broader social stability and economic growth. Policymakers may strive to reduce economic inequality by implementing progressive tax systems, increasing access to education, and providing social safety nets. These efforts are often aimed at raising the living standards of those identified within the lowest income brackets, such as the lowest 20% mentioned in the textbook exercise.