American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

What does socioeconomic status (SES) typically measure?

1. Family health and stability

2. Family's ability to function healthily

3. Educational attainment of children

4. Access to health care services

The correct answer is: Family's ability to function healthily

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a comprehensive measure that encompasses various indicators of economic and social position. Its primary components include income, education, and occupation. When considering the measure of a family's ability to function healthily, SES serves as a significant indicator because it relates directly to the resources available to a family, including their capacity to provide sustenance, healthcare, education, and a stable living environment. High SES typically correlates with better access to these resources, thereby enabling families to function more effectively in daily life. The focus on the family's ability to function healthily highlights the interplay between social and economic factors in determining overall family well-being. Higher educational levels, job status, and income levels all contribute to a family’s capacity to ensure healthful living conditions, nutritious food, and access to healthcare, which are critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While factors such as family health and stability, educational attainment of children, and access to healthcare services are relevant to the discussion surrounding SES, they serve as outcomes or components influenced by SES rather than defining what it measures. For instance, educational attainment is influenced by the family's socioeconomic background but does not encompass the full definition of SES itself.