underclass

underclass definition - business

underclass

The lowest and least privileged class of individuals in a society. An underclass is typically characterized by high dropout rates from school, receipt of public assistance, high rates of unemployment, and households headed by females. Members of the underclass are typically outside the mainstream of a society.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Business Terms Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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