Principles of Economics 2e
Principles of Economics 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9781947172364
Author: Steven A. Greenlaw; David Shapiro
Publisher: OpenStax
Textbook Question
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Chapter 15, Problem 1SCQ

Describe how each of these changes is likely to affect poverty and inequality:

  1. Incomes rise for low-income and high-income workers, but rise more for the high-income earners.
  2. Incomes fall for low-income and high-income workers, but fall more for high-income earners.

Expert Solution
Check Mark
To determine

(a)

To analyze:

The effect on poverty and inequality when the income rise for high-income and low-income workers but raise more for high-income earners.

Explanation of Solution

Income is influenced by demandand supply in labor markets, which can lead to very high income for some people and very low incomes for others. Poverty implies people who are unableto fulfil their basic needs of life.Income inequality is referred to the disparity between people with higher and lower incomes.

If income rise for both high-income and low-income workers but rise more for high-income earners then poverty will fall and inequality will rise, as people with high income will continue to earn more, thereby creating inequality in the economy. The level of people falling under the poverty line will increase.

In short, rich people will become richer and poor will become poorer.

Economics Concept Introduction

Poverty line : The number of peoplebelow a certain level of income, called the poverty line, are said to be poor and lack basic amenities in life.

Income Inequality: Income inequality is measured by dividing the population of an economy into various groups then comparing the groups based on their incomes i.e. high incomes, middle incomes and low incomes.

Expert Solution
Check Mark
To determine

(b)

To analyze:

Effect on poverty and inequality if incomes fall for high-income and low-income workers but fall more for high-income earners.

Explanation of Solution

Poverty implies people who are unableto fulfil their basic needs of life.Income inequality is referred to the disparity between people with higher and lower incomes.

If income falls for low-income and high-income workers, it will result in rise in poverty and fall in inequality.The income gap between different groups of people will reduce and so will inequality.

Economics Concept Introduction

Poverty line : The number of peoplebelow a certain level of income, called the poverty line, are said to be poor and lack basic amenities in life.

Income Inequality : Income inequality is measured by dividing the population of an economy into various groups then comparing the groups based on their incomes i.e. high incomes, middle incomes and low incomes.

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Chapter 15 Solutions

Principles of Economics 2e

Ch. 15 - Here is a second hypothesis: A well-funded social...Ch. 15 - Which set of policies is more likely to cause a...Ch. 15 - Why is there reluctance on the part of some in the...Ch. 15 - How is the poverty rate calculated?Ch. 15 - What is the poverty line?Ch. 15 - What is the difference between poverty and income...Ch. 15 - How does the poverty trap discourage people from...Ch. 15 - How can the effect of the poverty trap be reduced?Ch. 15 - Who are the near-poor?Ch. 15 - What is the safety net?Ch. 15 - Briefly explain the differences between TANF, the...Ch. 15 - Who is included in the top income quintile?Ch. 15 - What is measured on the two axes of a Lorenz...Ch. 15 - If a country had perfect income equality what...Ch. 15 - How has the inequality of income changed in the...Ch. 15 - What are some reasons why a certain degree of...Ch. 15 - What are the main reasons economists give for the...Ch. 15 - Identify some public policies that can reduce the...Ch. 15 - Describe how a push for economic equality might...Ch. 15 - What goods and services would you include in an...Ch. 15 - If a family of three earned 20,000, would they be...Ch. 15 - Exercise 15.2 and Exercise 15.3 asked you to...Ch. 15 - Explain how you would create a government program...Ch. 15 - Many critics of government programs to help...Ch. 15 - Think about the business cycle: during a...Ch. 15 - Explain how a country may experience greater...Ch. 15 - The demand for skilled workers in the United...Ch. 15 - Explain a situation using the supply and demand...Ch. 15 - What do you think is more important to focus on...Ch. 15 - To reduce income inequality, should the marginal...Ch. 15 - Redistribution of income occurs through the...Ch. 15 - How does a society or a country make the decision...Ch. 15 - Explain what the long- and short-term consequences...Ch. 15 - In country A, the population is 300 million and 50...Ch. 15 - In country B, the population is 900 million and...Ch. 15 - Susan is a single mother with three children. She...Ch. 15 - A group of 10 people have the following annual...
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