How is the long-term group of poor people who lack training and skills characterized?

The term "underclass" refers to a long-term group of individuals who typically experience persistent poverty and lack the necessary training and skills to secure stable employment that could lead to self-sufficiency. This group often faces systemic barriers that hinder their upward mobility, such as limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social networks. The underclass is characterized by its economic instability and dependence on social welfare programs, often reflecting a cycle of poverty that spans generations.

In sociological terms, the underclass differs from the working and lower classes, as they may not engage consistently in the labor market, whereas members of the working class are typically employed, albeit often in low-wage positions. The lower class, while also experiencing economic hardship, does not convey the same extent of marginalization and skill deficit characteristic of the underclass. Thus, the specific label of "underclass" aptly describes a segment of society that is profoundly disadvantaged in multiple aspects of life, perpetuating its struggle and limited access to resources.