Which group is said to be most affected by the feminization of poverty?

The feminization of poverty refers to the increasing proportion of women who are living in poverty compared to men, often as a result of factors such as systemic inequalities, wage gaps, single motherhood, and limited access to resources and opportunities. This phenomenon highlights how women, particularly those who are sole providers for their families or who are in lower-paying jobs, face significant financial challenges.

Women across various demographic groups are notably impacted by this issue due to several interrelated factors. Economic structures often disadvantage women, leading to higher rates of poverty among them. They are more likely to be employed in unstable, low-wage jobs and are disproportionately affected by domestic responsibilities, which can limit their ability to earn a higher income. This situation is exacerbated in cases of single motherhood or where women are the primary caregivers, further entrenching poverty within these households.

In contrast, men below the poverty line, children in low-income families, and seniors living alone, while certainly populations that experience poverty, do not specifically embody the concept of the feminization of poverty as it emphasizes women's unique socioeconomic position within the context of poverty. Thus, understanding the feminization of poverty requires acknowledging the broader social and economic factors that uniquely challenge women more than other demographic groups.