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Theories of Economic Inequality

Description: This quiz covers various theories that attempt to explain the existence and persistence of economic inequality in societies.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: economic inequality theories of inequality distribution of income
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Which theory argues that economic inequality is a result of differences in individual abilities and efforts?

  1. Human Capital Theory

  2. Marxian Theory

  3. Institutional Theory

  4. Dependency Theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Human Capital Theory posits that individuals with higher levels of education, skills, and abilities earn higher incomes due to their increased productivity.

According to the Kuznets Inverted U Hypothesis, what is the relationship between economic inequality and economic development?

  1. Inequality initially increases and then decreases.

  2. Inequality decreases initially and then increases.

  3. Inequality remains constant.

  4. Inequality fluctuates randomly.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Kuznets Inverted U Hypothesis suggests that inequality tends to rise during the early stages of economic development but eventually declines as development progresses.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social institutions and power structures in perpetuating economic inequality?

  1. Human Capital Theory

  2. Marxian Theory

  3. Institutional Theory

  4. Dependency Theory


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Institutional Theory argues that economic inequality is rooted in social institutions such as property rights, inheritance laws, and labor market regulations.

What is the central tenet of Marxian Theory regarding economic inequality?

  1. Inequality is caused by differences in individual abilities.

  2. Inequality is a result of class struggle and exploitation.

  3. Inequality is inevitable in a capitalist system.

  4. Inequality can be eliminated through government intervention.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Marxian Theory posits that economic inequality arises from the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class, who own the means of production.

Which theory attributes economic inequality to the unequal distribution of productive assets, such as land and capital?

  1. Human Capital Theory

  2. Marxian Theory

  3. Institutional Theory

  4. Dependency Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Dependency Theory argues that economic inequality is a consequence of the unequal distribution of productive assets between developed and developing countries.

According to the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 Rule, what is the relationship between income distribution and the population?

  1. The top 20% of the population earns 80% of the income.

  2. The bottom 20% of the population earns 80% of the income.

  3. The top 80% of the population earns 20% of the income.

  4. The bottom 80% of the population earns 20% of the income.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Pareto Principle states that a small percentage of the population (the top 20%) typically controls a large share of the income (80%).

What is the main argument of the Efficiency-Equity Trade-Off Theory?

  1. Economic efficiency and economic equity are always compatible.

  2. Economic efficiency and economic equity are always in conflict.

  3. Economic efficiency can be achieved without sacrificing economic equity.

  4. Economic equity can be achieved without sacrificing economic efficiency.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Efficiency-Equity Trade-Off Theory posits that there is an inherent tension between economic efficiency (maximizing output) and economic equity (fair distribution of income).

Which theory emphasizes the role of social mobility in reducing economic inequality?

  1. Human Capital Theory

  2. Marxian Theory

  3. Institutional Theory

  4. Social Mobility Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social Mobility Theory argues that economic inequality can be reduced by increasing social mobility, allowing individuals to move up the economic ladder regardless of their social background.

What is the Gini Coefficient used to measure?

  1. Economic growth

  2. Economic inequality

  3. Inflation rate

  4. Unemployment rate


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Gini Coefficient is a statistical measure used to assess the level of economic inequality in a society, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Which theory argues that economic inequality is caused by differences in individual preferences and tastes?

  1. Human Capital Theory

  2. Marxian Theory

  3. Institutional Theory

  4. Preference Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Preference Theory posits that individuals' choices and preferences, such as their willingness to work hard or take risks, can lead to economic inequality.

What is the main criticism of the Trickle-Down Theory?

  1. It assumes that economic growth automatically benefits all members of society.

  2. It ignores the role of government intervention in reducing inequality.

  3. It fails to consider the negative environmental consequences of economic growth.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Trickle-Down Theory is criticized for assuming that economic growth automatically benefits all members of society, ignoring the role of government intervention, and failing to consider the negative environmental consequences of economic growth.

Which theory emphasizes the role of technological change in shaping economic inequality?

  1. Human Capital Theory

  2. Marxian Theory

  3. Institutional Theory

  4. Technological Change Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Technological Change Theory argues that economic inequality can be influenced by the introduction of new technologies that favor certain groups over others.

What is the Kuznets Curve used to illustrate?

  1. The relationship between economic growth and economic inequality

  2. The relationship between inflation and unemployment

  3. The relationship between interest rates and economic growth

  4. The relationship between government spending and economic growth


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Kuznets Curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between economic growth and economic inequality, showing how inequality may initially increase during early stages of development but eventually decline as development progresses.

Which theory argues that economic inequality is caused by discrimination based on race, gender, or other social factors?

  1. Human Capital Theory

  2. Marxian Theory

  3. Institutional Theory

  4. Discrimination Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Discrimination Theory posits that economic inequality can arise from discrimination against certain groups of individuals, leading to unequal opportunities and outcomes.

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