Poverty, Race & Family
In the U.S., which of the following types of families has the lowest poverty rate?
Correct Answer
In the U.S., black married families have a poverty rate of 9%, the lowest among the groups above. In comparison, the poverty rate for Hispanic married families is 14%, the rate for Asian divorced families is 13%, and the rate for white separated families is 24%. Activists and politicians often make accusations of systemic racism based on income disparities, but these evaporate when key determinants of income are considered, such as family structure, education level, work hours, college majors, English proficiency, and an array of skills that increase people's productivity. Misidentifying the causes of poverty and other such problems can prevent their resolution, worsen them by cultivating victim mentalities, and fuel racial conflicts.