Question

background information: this passage comes from a united nations report about the economic impact of the fall of communism. the fall in formal sector employment has had important - usually negative - consequences for the people concerned. it has frequently led to a decline in individual and family income, social exclusion, and a worsening of the life chances of their children.... the decline in employment has disproportionately affected women. in general, the decline in female employment has been larger - in some cases very much larger - than the decline in male employment. for example, in the czech republic, between 1985 and 1997, the decline in female employment (11.8 per cent) was almost 10 times the decline in male employment (1.2 per cent). which of these statements is supported by information in the text? the employment rate of a nation also has social consequences. the employment rate of a nation only affects its female population. the employment rate of a nation only affects its male population. the czech republic was more negatively affected than any other country.

Explanation:

• For the second option: The text says the decline affected women more but doesn't say it "only affects" females, so this is wrong.
• For the third option: The text shows the decline affected women more and also mentions male employment decline (just smaller), so it doesn't "only affect" males, wrong.
• For the fourth option: The text only gives the Czech Republic as an example of female vs male employment decline, not that it was more negatively affected than any other country, wrong.
• For the first option: The text states the fall in formal sector employment led to income decline, social exclusion, and worse life chances for children, which are social consequences, so this is supported.

Answer:

The employment rate of a nation also has social consequences.