Final answer:
True, there is a higher chance for downward mobility among divorced or separated women with children due to systemic inequalities in the workplace, rising single motherhood, and the associated feminization of poverty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examining the social dynamics and economic challenges of the past and present, it becomes evident that women, particularly single mothers or those divorced, face a heightened risk of experiencing downward mobility. Between 1960 and 1980, with rising divorce rates and the number of single mothers doubling, the phenomenon known as the feminization of poverty emerged, shedding light on the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect women and children. During the 1980s, nearly half of employed single mothers earned salaries below the poverty level, with minority women and those in rural areas being particularly affected. This trend is partly attributed to persistent inequality in the workplace, where women have traditionally held the lowest-paid jobs.
Furthermore, changes in family structure and the increase in female-headed households have intensified the economic disadvantages. These conditions are compounded by other factors, such as age and educational background, which correlate with lower incomes. Divorce itself can perpetuate a cycle of poverty, especially among children born to divorced parents, who are statistically more likely to experience divorce themselves. This cycle can result in a pattern of downward social mobility for future generations. The economic implications are also burdensome, as working mothers incur additional expenses, such as childcare, and missing out on work can lead to a lack of job experience and valuable professional contacts.