Final answer:
The economic pattern that women are more likely than men to live in poverty is called the feminization of poverty. It refers to the increase in the number and percentage of women among the nation's poor, often associated with the rising number of female-headed households.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economic pattern that women are more likely than men to live in poverty is called the feminization of poverty. It refers to the increase in the number and percentage of women among the nation's poor, which is usually associated with the rising number of female-headed households and the increased tendency for these single mothers and their children to fall below the poverty line. This pattern is a worldwide phenomenon that can be observed across different countries and cultures.