Feminization of poverty primarily refers to:
2026
Feminization of poverty primarily refers to:
Answer: D. Disproportionate representation of women among the world population living in poverty — ConceptThe feminization of poverty describes a gender pattern in the incidence and burden of poverty. It highlights that women are disproportionately…
- A.
Concentration of poverty mainly in urban male-dominated industrial areas
- B.
Equal poverty distribution between men and women across all global regions
- C.
Complete eradication of poverty through women-only economic programs
- D.
Disproportionate representation of women among the world population living in poverty
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Concept
The feminization of poverty describes a gender pattern in the incidence and burden of poverty.
It highlights that women are disproportionately represented among people living in poverty and often face gender-specific risks that deepen economic deprivation.
Application
The stem asks for the primary meaning of the term. Among the offered statements, the one about the disproportionate representation of women among people living in poverty directly expresses the gender imbalance captured by the concept.
Contrast
Concentration in urban male-dominated industrial areas classifies poverty by location and sector, not by the share of women among poor populations.
Equal distribution between men and women describes parity, whereas the term identifies a disproportionate burden on women.
Eradication through women-only programs is a proposed policy outcome, not a description of who is disproportionately affected by poverty.
Disproportionate representation of women states the gender-skewed poverty pattern itself.
Result
Therefore, feminization of poverty primarily refers to the disproportionate representation of women among the world population living in poverty.