Questions: The reason why families headed by a mother, rather than by a mother and father or a father alone, are more likely to be poor is because A) two-parent families are more stable B) of the gender pay gap C) women have less education D) women are less inclined to work if they have children

The answer is B) of the gender pay gap.

While two-parent families might have more stability in terms of shared responsibilities and income, the question specifically asks about the economic aspect, which is more directly related to income levels rather than family stability.

The gender pay gap is a well-documented issue where women, on average, earn less than men for the same work. This disparity in earnings contributes significantly to the higher likelihood of poverty in families headed by a mother alone, as they often have to rely on a single income that is typically lower than that of their male counterparts.

While education can impact earning potential, the gender pay gap persists even among women and men with similar educational backgrounds. Therefore, this is not the primary reason for the economic challenges faced by families headed by a mother.

This option suggests a choice rather than a systemic issue. Many women work out of necessity, and the economic challenges they face are more related to the pay gap and lack of support systems, such as affordable childcare, rather than a lack of inclination to work.