Which option best represents why two-parent families are less likely to be poor than single-parent families?

Which option best represents why two-parent families are less likely to be poor than single-parent families?

• A. Two adults can both work
• B. One parent can stay home with the children
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither A nor B

Answer: (C)

Poverty risk for families is shaped by how much money comes in and how costs are shared. Having two adults who can work increases the household’s overall earnings, making it easier to meet basic needs. At the same time, having one parent stay home can reduce expenses like child care, transportation, and work-ready costs, which can help even a two-income household keep above the poverty line. Taken together, these two factors explain why two-parent families are less likely to be poor than single-parent families.

Poverty risk for families is shaped by how much money comes in and how costs are shared. Having two adults who can work increases the household’s overall earnings, making it easier to meet basic needs. At the same time, having one parent stay home can reduce expenses like child care, transportation, and work-ready costs, which can help even a two-income household keep above the poverty line. Taken together, these two factors explain why two-parent families are less likely to be poor than single-parent families.