Underserved populations is an academic concept and research area focusing on groups within a society or system who face systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to essential resources, services, or opportunities compared to the general population. This field investigates the identification of such groups, the nature and impact of the barriers they experience (often linked to factors like socioeconomic status, race, geography, or other identities), and the development of interventions aimed at reducing disparities and promoting social equity.