Abstract The purpose of the proposed study is to examine how race and gender inequality are associated with poor economic gains and empowerment. The targeted research will go further to find out how this issue is a major risk factor for poverty. The hypothesis for this study is that individuals who are discriminated against based on their gender or ethnic backgrounds lack adequate empowerment and economic opportunities. Consequently, these victims are forced to lead poor lives, thereby being unable to achieve their potential. Introduction Inequality is something that continues to affect many people in every country. In the United States, for instance, powerful laws and policies have been put in place to support the needs of both marginalized and minority groups. A good example is the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Beeghley 17). Unfortunately, most of these policies have not delivered positive results in the country. Sands acknowledges that structural inequality remains a major obstacle that makes it hard for many citizens to lead quality lives (665). Inequality arising from ethnicity and gender continues to persist in every American community. A study conducted by Beeghley revealed that minority groups such as African Americans find it hard to achieve their goals (102). Additionally, members of the race are disproportionately incarcerated or policed. This kind of inequality creates the best environment for a wide range of challenges such as lack of opportunities, quality education attainment, and poor health outcomes. Affected groups must stretch their strengths and capabilities in an attempt to meet their needs and support their families. Without a decent income, every affected person finds it hard to achieve his or her goals in life. The situation results in social entrapment, thereby making it impossible for more people to lead quality lifestyles. The proposed study will, therefore, examine this predicament in detail and offer powerful recommendations to support more women and minority groups. Problem Statement The topic for the targeted research is Exploring Race and Gender Inequality as a Risk Factor for Lack of Opportunities and Poverty. This means that the study will analyze the problem of race and gender inequality and examine how it is related to poverty. This issue is caused by aspects such as reduced job opportunities and lack of empowerment. Several reasons explain why this topic has been selected. To begin with, the issue of inequality continues to affect many people despite the presence of powerful laws to deal with it. The study is aimed at analyzing why such policies have failed to transform the situation. The second reason is that inequality has been changing over the years. Gender discrimination appears to be recorded in workplaces, family settings, and communities (Sands 665). That being the case, the study seeks to examine how such forms of inequality have emerged and how they can be dealt with. The study will also present meaningful insights regarding the nature of poverty. Such ideas can inform powerful campaigns and models to meet the needs of every affected person. Methodology This study will be completed using a powerful methodology. The research problem is that the role of inequali