Final answer:
True. The number of Americans who are working full time but still fall below the poverty threshold has risen significantly in recent years.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. The number of Americans who are working full time but still fall below the poverty threshold has indeed risen significantly in recent years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the working poor are defined as those who have spent at least 27 weeks working or looking for work, and yet remain below the poverty line. In 2009, the working poor included 10.4 million Americans, up almost 17 percent from 2008. Factors such as part-time employment, lower levels of education, and having children under 18 contribute to the likelihood of falling into this category.
One reason for this phenomenon is the prevalence of what is called relative poverty in the United States. Relative poverty refers to the inability to live the lifestyle of the average person in the country. In addition, the minimum wage may be insufficient, as it varies across states and has not kept pace with inflation. Moreover, the cost of living can differ significantly across different areas, making it difficult for individuals to meet minimum standards in high-cost regions.