During the 1980s, what was a major reason for the increase in the poverty rate in America?

A) Increasing elderly populations in cities
B) The absence of federally funded centers that could provide job training to the chronically unemployed
C) A decrease in well-paying blue-collar jobs and an increase in lower-paying service jobs
D) The failure of public education to produce literate, employment-ready graduates

Poverty Rate

The percentage of the population living below the national poverty line, indicating the proportion of individuals or families whose income falls short of the defined threshold for basic living costs.

Blue-collar Jobs

Occupations that typically involve manual labor or skilled trade tasks.

Service Jobs

Employment positions that focus on providing assistance, support, or advice rather than producing goods.