Chapter 8: Talent Development and The Persistence of Working Poor Families

In this chapter, I address the persistence of working poor families and the causes and consequences of this problem. A working poor family is one in which at least one adult family member works full time the full year. Yet despite the wages earned, mostly from low-wage work, the family remains in poverty and is unable to attain basic financial security. This chapter will examine this issue in the United States and, when appropriate, discusses relevant aspects of this problem in the United Kingdom. Comparisons are also drawn across other developed nations to show the severity and prevalence of the problem.