Tom drifts in and out of jobs. Owing to his lack of education and skills, it is very difficult for him to find a stable job with a steady income. Despite having some earnings, he depends on government programs to make ends meet. Which of the following terms can be used to describe Tom's social status?

A) Bourgeoisie

B) Lower-middle class

C) Working poor

D) Underclass

E) Working class

D) Underclass

Explanation:

Underclass represent a section of the population who inhabits the lowest position in the class system of social order. They are below the working class as they find it hard to find stable jobs with steady income.

Compared to the working class, the underclass section of the population are exploited less. They are usually perceived to be less productive because of lack of education and skills. Thus, they are exploited less by the higher classes because of their incapacity to be productive. Instead, the working class, though higher than the underclass in the class ladder, is being exploited more because of their productivity.

In case of Tom, who belongs to the underclass section, despite having some earnings, he depends on government programs to make ends meet because his chances of being recruited into a stable job is very minimal.