Final answer:
The changes described can affect poverty and inequality differently. Increased minimum wage and expansion of educational opportunities can help reduce poverty and inequality, while implementation of a progressive tax system and introduction of universal basic income can address income inequality, but their impact on poverty can vary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The changes described in the question can affect poverty and inequality in the following ways: Increased minimum wage can help reduce poverty by providing higher incomes to low-income workers. However, it may also lead to higher unemployment as businesses may cut jobs to compensate for increased labor costs. Expansion of educational opportunities can reduce inequality by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge to obtain higher-paying jobs. However, it may not directly impact poverty if individuals still face barriers to accessing education.
Implementation of a progressive tax system can help reduce inequality by taxing higher-income earners more heavily. This can provide funds for social welfare programs that benefit low-income individuals and reduce poverty. However, it may also create incentives for high-income earners to find ways to evade taxes. Introduction of universal basic income (UBI) can help reduce poverty by providing a guaranteed income to all individuals. This can particularly benefit those living in poverty and provide them with basic necessities. However, UBI may also disincentivize work and lead to higher taxes to fund the program.