AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes structural poverty?

1. High employment and economic mobility

2. Recurring poverty due to systemic issues

3. Temporary financial hardship

4. A society with no poverty

The correct answer is: Recurring poverty due to systemic issues

Structural poverty refers to a form of poverty that is deeply entrenched within the societal and economic systems, often resulting from systemic issues such as inequality, discrimination, and a lack of access to essential services. It is characterized by the persistence of poverty over time and across generations, arising from the structural factors that create barriers to economic mobility. This concept highlights that poverty is not merely the result of individual circumstances or temporary financial setbacks but rather a systematic issue that affects whole communities or demographics. Factors contributing to structural poverty can include inadequate education, lack of employment opportunities, and systemic racism or discrimination, which prevent certain groups from achieving financial stability or upward mobility. In contrast, high employment and economic mobility suggest a thriving economy where individuals have opportunities to improve their circumstances, which does not align with the concept of structural poverty. Temporary financial hardship refers to short-term issues that do not reflect the ongoing, systemic nature of structural poverty. Lastly, a society with no poverty would not exist in a context of structural poverty, as it inherently signifies the presence of pervasive, systemic economic issues.