Economics of Poverty

Chapter 1

9 cards   |   Total Attempts: 188
  

Cards In This Set

Front Back
What do Americans regard as one of the most important problems facing the nation? Do Americans believe this issue is getting worse or better every year? 
Poverty, worse
What is inequality? Why does it exist? 
Inequality is a complex subject, with many different dimensions to consider. The three theories that explain the existence of inequality are: restricted opportunity, big brother, and flawed character
Why is it difficult to compare incomes?
Differences in wealth, temporary versus permanent income, life cycle issues, public provision, unit of observation 
When measuring money income, what important concept should be considered?
Social inequality - level of goods produced and who they are available to 
1. What are the demerits of inequality?2. What are the social consequences of inequality?
1. social consequences, inequities, skewed distribution of political powers2. High crime rates, or too much allocation of its scarce resources to property protection, criminal justice and confinement
How can inequality be viewed as positive?
Incentive for investing in human capital, incentive in labor market, incentive to invest in capital market
How is inequality measured?
Income mobility, lorenz curve, gini coefficient, income shares, between group average
What two units are used for observation when considering inequality? Define each.
Household & family. Household is one or more persons living under the same roof. Family is people related by blood or marriage
What are the causes of poverty?
Big brother, restricted opportunities, flawed character