CCAP Theories of Poverty 2

Question 1

The 'culture of poverty' theory, popularized by Oscar Lewis, suggests that poverty persists primarily because of:

Accepted Answer

Internalized values and behaviors passed across generations

Answer

Lewis argued that people in poverty develop a distinct subculture with shared values, attitudes, and behaviors that are transmitted to children and perpetuate poverty.

Question 2

Which theoretical perspective views poverty as a functional necessity that motivates people to fill less desirable but necessary social roles?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Structural functionalists like Davis and Moore argued that wage inequality incentivizes people to take on difficult or undesirable jobs essential to society.

Question 3

The concept of 'relative poverty' differs from 'absolute poverty' in that relative poverty is defined by:

Accepted Answer

A person's income compared to the median income of their society

Answer

Relative poverty measures deprivation in relation to the living standards of others in the same society, while absolute poverty focuses on minimum survival needs.

Question 4

Amartya Sen's 'capabilities approach' to poverty emphasizes that poverty should be understood as:

Accepted Answer

Deprivation of substantive freedoms and the ability to live a valued life

Answer

Sen argued that poverty is fundamentally about the absence of capabilities—the real freedoms people have to achieve well-being—not merely low income.

Question 5

Which theory of poverty argues that economic systems deliberately maintain a 'reserve army of labor' to keep wages low and profits high?

Accepted Answer

Marxist/conflict theory

Answer

Marx argued that capitalism requires a surplus population of unemployed workers to suppress wage demands and maximize capitalist profit.

(CCAP) Certified Community Action Professional Practice Test

(CCAP) Certified Community Action Professional Practice Test

CCAP Theories of Poverty 2