The underclass is a term used in sociology to describe a group of people who are considered to be 'under' or outside the traditional class structure of society, often characterised by chronic poverty, long-term unemployment or underemployment, social isolation, and economic, political, and social marginalisation and exclusion. Members of the underclass may experience multiple and overlapping forms of disadvantage, including limited access to education, healthcare, stable housing, and social support networks, often leading to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape. The concept of the underclass is often associated with inner-city areas and may be linked to factors such as deindustrialisation, lack of job opportunities, and systemic discrimination. There is ongoing debate among sociologists about the definition, causes, and consequences of the underclass, as well as the most effective ways to address the complex issues of poverty and social exclusion that affect this group.