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Social Issues Affecting Women Living in Poverty ▪ the phrase feminization of poverty indicates that more women than men live below the poverty level ▪ Women raising children alone, households headed by single mothers are especially likely to be impoverished. ▪ The feminization of poverty is also evident in the rising trend for women to declare bankruptcy. ▪ Globally, women typically work more hours than men but are paid less for the same work; they are often expected to bear and raise many children, sometimes in addition to performing a job outside the home; they are frequently abused and beaten in their own homes; and often they have few legal rights

▪ poverty has been directly linked to a lack of literacy and educational attainment. In many countries, the literacy rate for females is lower than that for males, and education—when available—is more frequently provided for men even though economic returns on investment in women’s education are found to exceed those for men

▪ Economic Effects of Divorce ▪ The increase in the number of female-headed families is closely associated with divorce. ▪ Factors Contributing to Poverty in Working Women ▪ Significant wage discrepancy still exists. ▪ For working divorced or single women with children, the issue of child care is especially difficult. Child care is expensive and places a tremendous burden on the single parent’s household budget.

▪ Effects of Poverty on Women’s Health Care ▪ Health insurance ▪ adequate nutrition and prenatal care

▪ Social Issues Affecting Women in the Workplace ▪ Wage Discrepancy ▪ Women’s wages were purposely set lower than men’s because it was assumed that men needed substantial funds to support families whereas women did not. ▪ the overall wage discrepancy between men and women declined as women’s educational attainment grew and their workforce participation increased.

▪ Maternal and Paternal Leave Issues ▪ Discrimination Against Pregnant Women ▪ Child Care ▪ Environmental Hazards in the Workplace

Social Issues Affecting Older Women Factors that contribute to the increased economic vulnerability of women include the following: ■ Women must stretch their financial resources further than men because of their longer life expectancy. ■ Older women tend to have less educational preparation than older men. ■ Historically women have been economically dependent on men and may have intermittent or nonexistent employment histories. ■ Women typically earn less than men and often work in jobs without pension benefits or have only limited benefits

▪ Intermittent employment is more common in women, which decreases their social security and retirement benefits. ■ Women generally have more family caregiving responsibilities than men.