Final answer:
The Sherman family, with an income of $22,000 for a household of three, would be classified as 'near poor' since their income is above the set poverty threshold of approximately $20,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing whether the Sherman family is considered poor based on their income relative to the poverty threshold, we refer to the definitions and standards set by official sources such as the U.S. government. The poverty threshold is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country, and in the U.S., it varies by family size and composition. According to information from the Federal Register and ASPE for recent years, the poverty threshold for different family sizes is periodically adjusted to account for inflation and cost of living. Therefore, we would first need to consider the current poverty threshold for the Sherman family's income. For a family of three, the poverty threshold was approximately $20,000. If the Shermans earn $22,000, they have an income above that line and would not be classified as poor.
In context, families who earn income just above the poverty threshold may be classified as near poor, which indicates that they have incomes above the official poverty level but are still relatively close to it, highlighting their potential vulnerability to falling below the poverty line with any unexpected expenses or loss of income. However, they are not considered poor according to the official classifications.
Given this information, a family of three like the Shermans who earn $22,000, would be classified as C) near poor, which is the correct option in the final answer.