Question

The author contrasts the 1930’s with the present in order to show that

• A. more people were unemployed in the 1930’s
• B. unemployment now has less severe effects
• C. social programs are more needed now
• D. there now is a greater proportion of elderly and handicapped people among those in poverty
• E. poverty has increased since the 1930’s

Answer 1

The correct option is B unemployment now has less severe effects

The author often compares the present world with 1930’s to demonstrate that the population at that time was far worse off. They had no social security or related benefits and the household usually consisted of a sole breadwinner whose joblessness made the household suffer more than the joblessness in today’s world, where usually multiple people are the breadwinners. Hence option (b) is the answer.