A person who relies on welfare and food stamps would belong to which social group?

• A. working class
• B. underclass
• C. middle class
• D. upper class

Answer: (B)

This item tests how we classify people within social stratification based on economic resources and public assistance. Relying on welfare and food stamps signals very low income and limited earnings, placing someone at the bottom tier of the system. The term underclass is used in sociology to describe people with persistent poverty, few stable job opportunities, and reliance on government aid. In contrast, the working class typically has paid employment, the middle class enjoys more stable, higher income, and the upper class holds substantial wealth and power. So, a person dependent on welfare and food stamps fits the underclass category because it reflects sustained economic hardship and dependence on public assistance rather than regular employment.