Outline the different reasons why women and ethnic minorities are more likely to experience poverty than other groups
by
kraznot (student)
This essay will shortly discuss what poverty is and outline the different reasons why women and ethnic minorities are more likely to experience poverty than other groups.
There are different types of poverty, Absolute and Relative. Absolute poverty is not having the basic requirements such as shelter, food and water and not being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For example poor parts of Africa. Relative poverty is when someone’s standard of living or finances are low when compared to that of the rest of their society.
One of the reasons why women are most likely to experience poverty is because they normally have responsibilities for housework and childcare. Lots of women therefore have to combine paid employment with childcare and would most likely be in low paid and part time work. Another reason is that the majority of homeworkers are women, and these jobs are very low paid. Nurses and Caretakers earn a very little amount. Women are more likely than men to be lone parents with full responsibility for their child. This leads to a reduced chance of being employed and relying on state benefits. Women also tend to sacrifice their own standard of living for the well being of their own children. This includes clothes and food. In low income areas it is mothers rather than fathers who have to suffer while trying to make money. Another factor is that since women live longer than men, they spend a longer proportion of their lives beyond retirement age. However, because of the part time jobs, and the low paid work, they are not always entitled to employers pensions and are more likely to experience poverty in old age.
