Exam 8: Should Age or Need Be the Basis for Entitlement

Advocates for the aging often argue that both young and old have a "common stake" that should overcome generational differences. What do you consider to be some of the features of this "common stake" and what ideas do you have for intergenerational cooperation and interdependence?

Should eligibility for entitlement programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, be based on need rather than age? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of need-based eligibility for what are currently entitlement programs.

High poverty rate among younger generations is caused mainly by family structure, unemployment, and declining wages.

Which of the following the term tweeners refers to?

The privatization of Social Security is more consistent with the generational interdependence framework than with the generational equity framework.

Proponents of generational equity have a different conception of fairness compared to proponents of generational interdependence. Compare and contrast these differing notions of fairness. Which are you more likely to agree with, and why?

Thurow argues that means-tested benefits for older adults would be opposed by young and old alike.

For which of the following reasons Samuelson disagrees with Burless's analysis about governmental spending for older adults?

In recent years, poverty among the old has been ______, while poverty among young people has been ______.

The poverty rate among older adults is higher than it is among children.

Samuelson argues that the government is too generous, especially toward affluent older adults.

The average condition of older Americans has improved markedly in recent decades when measured according to income, health status, and educational level.

Explain the logic of "generational equity." What evidence is used to support the generational equity thesis that older adults are to blame for economic problems in the United States?

Which of the following best describes the generational interdependence framework?

Thurow argues that the group in greatest need of government support is unemployed persons between ages 18 and 64.