Women and poverty - Essay Example

Women and poverty Townson, Monica. A Report Card on Women and Poverty, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2000. Web. 29 May There is feminization of poverty in the society, as the case of Canada reveals in the study. Since the 1970s, Townson argues, there has been the feminization of poverty, described as a situation “where the number of women in poverty is increasing at a much faster rate than for men” (Townson 1). While assessing the level of poverty in women in the society, Townson observes that as Canada enters the 21st century, approximately 19% of the women are poor, with at least 2.2 adult women falling in the class of low-income earners. A report by the Royal Commission on the Status of women revealed that 30 years ago, 47% of women under the age of 65 were considered low-income earners. Statistics also revealed that at least 52% of the children under the support of single-mothers were poor. Currently, that percentage stands at 56%, after a decline from 62% in 1984. This trend seems to increase with the progress in the age of women, as in 1980, 72% of old women in Canada were poor. The fact that addressing poverty among women is not a priority among women in the society is one the main reason for this growth. Feminization of poverty, according to Townson, is in its own construction a societal as well as a legislative concern. The big wage gap between men and women in the Canadian society contributes to the high number of Canadian poor women. Other factors contributing to the high poverty levels in the society include unequal resources distribution as well as lack of opportunities. This journal article provides insights on the causes of poverty in the society among women, and points out the disparities in the society. It compares significantly with the rest of articles in this analysis as it provides adequate information on the causes of poverty among women in the society. Burkhauser, Richard and Sabia Joseph. "The Effectiveness of Minimum-Wage Increases in Reducing Poverty: Past, Present, and Future." Contemporary Economic Policy 25.2 2007. With the poverty levels in women growing at a faster rate than those of men, different authors have sought to look for alternatives of solving the problem. With the governmental agencies seemingly relaxing on addressing the issue, it remains the efforts of researchers to provide solution to the problem. In Canada, Burkhauser and Sabia seek to offer solutions with the intention of minimizing the high poverty levels among women by bridging the wage gap between men and women. They observe that only men occupy big jobs in organizations, with women assuming the role of support personnel. Although more women now have jobs, the fact that they do not occupy large positions in these firms contributes to the wide poverty gap. According to them, the best way of solving the problem of high poverty levels in women is through increasing the minimum wage levels among women in the society. They argue that despite the fact that people work in big organizations, they have low incomes, which when passed over to the family, creates a vicious cycle of poverty in the society. The journal addresses on the means available to reduce the level of poverty among the women in the society. While other articles propose on the means of reducing the level of poverty among women in the society, this particular article offers guidelines on how raising the minimum wage levels for women as the most significant solution to the problem. Coulter, Kendra. “Women, Poverty Policy, and the Production of Neoliberal Politics in Ontario, Canada.” Journal of Women, Politics & Policy (2009): 30.1. Print. The government, while addressing the problem of poverty in Canada, have even influenced the politics of neo-liberalism in Canada. Coulter (24) observes, “In confronting inadequate social policies and the political terrain on which the policies exist, these women exposed the difficulties of challenging both neoliberal policy and political culture.” As such, policies proposed to reduce the high poverty levels among women have subsequently influenced the politics of neoliberalism. However, Coulter observes that the analysis of women and poverty as well as the effects of politics of neoliberalism help in understanding the nature of drafting policies of reducing poverty among women in the region. By providing women in Ontario with a platform to speak their thoughts allows them to share their views with the world. These views help in the drafting of policies meant to reduce the level of poverty among women in the Canadian society. This journal article seeks to address the effects of poverty among women in the society and the effects of these policies in the production of neo-liberal politics. This journal seeks to politicize poverty in the society, especially in the policies meant to address the issue of poverty among people in the society. While other articles in this list address issues of poverty, this article puts into consideration the effects of politics into the question. Hartmann, Heidi I. Women, Work, and Poverty: Women Centered Research for Policy Change. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis, 2012. Internet resource. Research in the causes of poverty among women in the society links lack of jobs as the biggest factor contributing to the high levels of poverty among women in the society. However, other factors contribute to the poverty of women in the society. Marriages and raising children contributes to the high poverty levels among women, especially for the time spent in looking after the children. Comparing pay equity and living wage reforms (24) observes that these are likely to influence the level of poverty among women in the society. However, this book also pays attention to the challenges faced by women with disabilities in the society. Despite the increased level of discrimination faced by women in the society, women are acquiring more information, which subsequently has contributed to the advancement of women in the society. Further, policies seek to address the ways and means available to advance women of colour. Despite these policies, women still keep on losing their jobs through maternal leaves. This book seeks to address the plight of women in the society and the reasons why nature has made them poor. Accordion to the book, women roles in the society, such as families and birth significantly contribute to the high levels of poverty among women in the society. As such, information contained in this book supplements other journal articles on the factors contributing to high poverty levels among women in the society. Read More