Poverty Theories, Advocacy History, Social Reform
Movements, Service Delivery Systems, Research
Methods, Cultural Competence, Discrimination and
Oppression, Public Policy Milestones,
Rehabilitation and Social Care, Ethical Practice,
Diversity and Inclusion, Community Mental Health,
Settlement House Movement, Inequality,
Reaganomics, Great Society Programs, War on
Drugs Policy, Patriot Act Legislation, DACA Policy,
Structural Theories of Poverty, Dual Labor Market
Theory, Functionalism and Poverty, Capitalism and
Inequality, Generalist and Specialist Roles, Helping
Relationship Values, Social Control Systems,
Wraparound and Community-Based Services –
Comprehensive Exam Questions Verified and
Provided with A+ Graded Rationales Latest
Updated 2026
What are human services?
An interdisciplinary field dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and
communities by meeting needs, addressing social challenges, and fostering self-sufficiency.
What is social justice?
The principle that all humans deserve equal rights, opportunities, and treatment, regardless of
race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status.
What are human rights?
Fundamental, inalienable, and universal rights inherent to all individuals simply because they
are human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status.
What is poverty?
, Lacking basic needs and lacking financial means to access basic needs, measured by comparing
the family's pre-tax income against a set threshold.
What is deep poverty?
Living in a household with a total cash income below 50% of the federal poverty threshold.
What are concrete versus material needs?
Concrete - specific, tangible items needed for living, such as a winter coat, a meal, a bed, a
medication. Material - basic physical necessities required for surviving, such as food, shelter,
clothing, healthcare, and transportation.
What are the 3 structural theories of poverty?
1. Capitalism: Poverty exists because the capitalist system depends on low-wage workers and
economic inequality to maintain profits. 2. Dual Labor Market Theory: Poverty persists because
the labor market is divided into a secure, high-paying primary sector and an unstable, low-
paying secondary sector with little mobility. 3. Functionalism: Poverty persists because it serves
important social functions, such as motivating work and filling undesirable jobs.
What is the impact of poverty?
Poverty limits access to basic resources and opportunities, leading to worse health, education,
and economic outcomes across the life course.
What are the types of research?
Primary - data collection that you collect, report, and analyze. Secondary - data/information was
collected, reported, and analyzed by someone else.
What is qualitative data?
Non-numerical, descriptive information focusing on subjective experiences (words, images,
observations) to answer 'why' or 'how.'
What is quantitative data?
Numerical, measurable information (numbers, counts, statistics) focusing on objective facts to
answer 'how many' or 'how often.'
What are the 6 perspectives of human services?
The generalist, themes and purpose, interdisciplinary nature, management principles, helping
relationship, and social justice.
What is the purpose of human service work?