Final answer:
The factor that supports maintaining a dual income is rising education costs, as families strive to fund higher education to pave the way to prosperity despite the financial challenges it poses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to which factor supports maintaining a dual income is a. rising education costs. In today's society, education is viewed as a pathway to prosperity, and higher education costs have become a significant financial burden for many families. As such, the motivation to maintain a dual income is often driven by the need to support rising educational expenses, ensuring that children can pursue college degrees, which are increasingly seen as necessary for economic success.
Additionally, factors like the pay gap, influenced by aspects including having children and the level of education, relate to the economic pressures that may necessitate dual-income households. The opportunity cost of not working while raising children can be significant, and higher incomes can increase this cost. Hence, families often rely on dual incomes to balance the financial demands of modern life, including education, career aspirations, and family planning.