Final answer:
The underclass refers to the socio-economic group living in inner cities, grappling with unemployment and reliance on welfare. The term encapsulates a demographic experiencing significant hardship, often overlooked due to suburban prosperity and systemic issues. Sociologists and policymakers acknowledge the existence and challenges of the underclass while also questioning the term's usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term underclass was originally used to describe the poorest individuals living in inner-city areas, often grappling with issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and reliance on welfare systems for basic needs. This socio-economic class is characterized by performing menial jobs for low pay if they are employed, and many are homeless. The concept of the underclass is recognized by various economists, sociologists, and government agencies noting its rise, despite some sociologists questioning the term's validity and potential for overgeneralization.
Living conditions for the urban poor were harsh with many searching for food in garbage cans or waiting in bread lines. The phenomenon of 'white flight' affected tax revenues and services in these inner-city areas while increasing suburban prosperity. Policies to address poverty, according to some American policymakers, include raising the minimum wage and extending unemployment compensation, stemming from an underserved population affected by systemic issues such as racism, sexism, and economic failure to provide living-wage jobs.