The issue of poverty in the United States has been a topic of discussion for many years. One particular aspect of this issue that has received attention is the concept of the working poor. The working poor are individuals who are employed but still live below the poverty line. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the working poor, including the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this pervasive problem. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay To begin, it is essential to understand the scope of the problem. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2019, there were 34 million Americans living below the poverty line, with 7.8 million of them classified as the working poor (US Census Bureau, 2020). This statistic highlights the significant impact poverty has on the workforce and the economy as a whole. Additionally, the working poor face myriad challenges, including inadequate access to health care, education, and housing, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty for many individuals and families (Shaefer & Edin, 2013). A major cause of working poverty is the prevalence of low-wage jobs in the United States. According to a report by the National Employment Law Project, most of the jobs created during the post-recession recovery were in low-wage sectors, such as retail, food service and hospitality (National Employment Law Project, 2012). These jobs often offer minimal benefits, low wages, and little or no job security, making it difficult for people to escape poverty even if employed full time. Additionally, the lack of affordable childcare and reliable public transportation further exacerbates the challenges faced by the working poor, hindering their ability to advance in the workforce and improve their economic situation. Additionally, the working poor are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities, such as racial ones. and gender discrimination. Studies have shown that people of color and women are more likely to fall into the working poor due to historical and current disparities in access to education, job opportunities, and fair wages (Chetty et al., 2018 ). These inequalities perpetuate the cycle of poverty and make it even more difficult for marginalized individuals to escape economic hardship. The effects of in-work poverty extend beyond the individual level and have broader implications for society as a whole. For example, the working poor often rely on public assistance programs, such as Medicaid and food stamps, to make ends meet, placing a strain on public resources (Boushey, 2008). Additionally, children living in working-poor families are more likely to experience negative outcomes, including poor academic achievement, limited access to health care, and a greater likelihood of future poverty (Duncan & Magnuson, 2013). These long-term effects can perpetuate intergenerational poverty and limit social mobility for future generations. Tackling the problem of in-work poverty requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. One potential solution is to raise the federal minimum wage to a living wage that reflects the real cost of living in the United States. According to the Economic Policy Institute, raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024 would lift millions of workers out of poverty and spur economic growth (Economic Policy Institute, 2019). Also, invest in affordable housing.