Which term describes government programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality?

• A. Welfare state
• B. Dependency culture
• C. Meritocracy
• D. Social inequality

Answer: (A)

Welfare state describes government programs designed to reduce poverty and inequality by providing social protection and services. This includes cash benefits, pensions, unemployment support, healthcare, housing assistance, and education funded through taxation. The aim is to redistribute resources and guarantee a basic standard of living, helping to lessen poverty and narrow gaps between different groups in society.

Other terms refer to different ideas: dependency culture is a critique about welfare creating reliance, meritocracy is about rewards based on ability and effort rather than a system of state programs, and social inequality is the outcome of unequal resources rather than a program itself.