Final answer:
Social scientists refer to urban neighborhoods with dire poverty and unemployment as underclass communities. Such areas are marked by unstable housing, dependence on welfare, and issues like poor health and stress. There is a contrast between the unseen struggles of the urban poor and the disconnected suburbs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urban neighborhoods with extreme levels of poverty and unemployment are often referred to by social scientists as underclass communities. These areas are generally characterized by high rates of unemployment or underemployment, where residents may perform menial tasks for low wages or be completely out of work.
The living conditions in such neighborhoods are frequently poor, with overcrowded and unsanitary living spaces, such as tenements and slums. Additionally, many residents depend on welfare systems for basic needs like food, medical care, and housing, but these supports often fall short.
The concept of the underclass also encompasses the stress and poor health experienced by these communities, as well as their vulnerability to regular crises.
While the suburbs may involve individuals of higher socioeconomic status who are commonly unaware of these urban issues, the challenges faced by the urban poor, including a lack of advocacy and insufficient media coverage, contribute significantly to their invisibility in society.
Moreover, historical factors have shaped these communities, such as the migration patterns of immigrants who settled in ethnic or racial enclaves, now referred to as ghettos. These patterns continue to influence the jobs available, housing quality, and overall livelihoods of urban poor populations.