The Persistence of Working Poor Families in a Changing U.S. Job Market

Abstract

This article explores the persistence of working poor families in the United Statesfamilies that live on the threshold of poverty despite at least one family member working full-time. The persistence of poverty in the United States has been exacerbated by recent changes in the job market that have altered the composition and availability of jobs due to technological unemployment, the polarization of jobs, declining job quality, and stagnation in job growth. The relationships between the persistence of working poor families and these changes in the job market are examined. The article concludes with a review of human resource development (HRD) research on poverty and the working poor, and a discussion of the implications of the persistence of working poor families for HRD research and practice.

Economic Inequality, Educational Inequity, and Reduced Career Opportunity: A Self-perpetuating Cycle?

“…Research to better understand poverty and the challenges faced by families who work hard yet struggle to earn a living wage is global in scope. It includes research studies focused on the plight of low‐income populations in developing countries (Lynham, Paprock & Cunningham, ) and in regions in every continent except Australia (Torraco, ). While HRD research and practice have addressed problems associated with poverty and the working poor, nearly all of the HRD research on this topic to date has addressed non‐U.…”

“…The U. S. has the highest poverty rate and the largest proportion of children less than five years of age living in poverty among all developed nations (Oxfam America, ). This indicates a pressing need for more HRD research on reducing economic inequality and poverty in the U. S. (Torraco, ).…”

“…Ehrenreich () found a similar reality during her experience working in low‐skill jobs for poverty level wages. As reflected in these accounts of low‐income people, working poor families with little or no disposable income are unable to acquire the education and skills needed for higher paying jobs, thus remaining in stagnant, low‐skilled jobs, and sliding further into poverty (Torraco, ).…”

Disparities, Decent Work, and Multidisciplinary Research: Expanded Roles for CD and HRD

“…They often are in contingent jobs or low wage‐low skill positions that leave them vulnerable to financial insecurity and the stress of an uncertain job future. Researchers describe a trend towards job polarization as automation takes over what had been routine mid‐range jobs, leaving work at the lowest and highest ends of the spectrum (Torraco, ; Weil, ). Those lacking the education and knowledge to reach the upper level find themselves with few options, either unemployed or trapped in jobs that lack adequate pay or benefits to support themselves or their families (Torraco, ).…”

“…Researchers describe a trend towards job polarization as automation takes over what had been routine mid‐range jobs, leaving work at the lowest and highest ends of the spectrum (Torraco, ; Weil, ). Those lacking the education and knowledge to reach the upper level find themselves with few options, either unemployed or trapped in jobs that lack adequate pay or benefits to support themselves or their families (Torraco, ). According to Blustein, et al (), “The struggle to obtain decent work, particularly for workers without marketable 21 st century skills, remains one of the major social justice challenges of our era” (p.3).…”