I'm sorry, but the correct answer to the question is option C: Women earn about 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. This phenomenon is known as the gender pay gap.
Here's why this answer is the best explanation for why women have a higher risk of being poor:
1. Gender Pay Gap: Women, on average, earn less than men for the same work or comparable work. This wage disparity can result in women having less income over time, making it more challenging for them to accumulate wealth, save for the future, or invest in opportunities that could help prevent poverty.
2. Financial Independence: When women earn less than men, they may struggle to achieve financial independence and security, which can lead to a higher risk of poverty, especially in situations like being a single parent or the sole breadwinner in a family.
3. Impacts of Lower Earnings: Lower earnings can also affect women's ability to access quality healthcare, education, housing, and other resources that are essential for financial stability and well-being.
While the other options might have some relevance in certain contexts, the gender pay gap is a significant factor contributing to why women are at a higher risk of being poor. It's crucial to address this issue to promote gender equality and economic empowerment.
