AAMC FL Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of structural poverty?

1. High levels of education among the population

2. Single-parent family structures

3. Availability of abundant job opportunities

4. Low rates of infant mortality

The correct answer is: Single-parent family structures

Structural poverty refers to the chronic and systemic nature of poverty, which is often influenced by various societal structures and institutions. A key characteristic of structural poverty is the prevalence of single-parent family structures. This is significant because single-parent households may face increased economic challenges, limited access to resources, and reduced social support systems compared to dual-parent families. These challenges can perpetuate cycles of poverty, as single parents may have less time and financial stability to invest in their children's education, well-being, and opportunities for upward mobility. In contrast, the other options present characteristics that would typically correlate with a more stable economic environment rather than structural poverty. High levels of education typically indicate a population that has access to better job opportunities and economic stability, abundant job opportunities suggest a thriving economy that can mitigate the effects of poverty, and low rates of infant mortality point to good healthcare access which is often associated with higher socioeconomic status and living standards. Thus, these characteristics would not align with the defining nature of structural poverty.