Question

What is the feminization of poverty?

Answer 1

Feminization of poverty is a concept which highlights the increase in inequality in the living standards of men and women. The concept shows the trend that women are disproportionately poorer than men.

The concept was first brought into concern first in 1970s but has gained momentum only in the recent years.

This poverty is not only in the terms of income but also in terms of capability depriviation, denial of access to fundamental human rights etc.

Some of factors that put women at these disadvantegeous positions can be:

• Wage Gap: It is seen even today that in many sectors men are paid more than women for the exact same job profile.
• Health and Education: In some areas of the world, the women in the family are deprived of the basic educational and health facilities which reduces their capability to do well in life. There still exists a systematic boy preference in some of the Asian countries.
• Sexual Violence: Women who are subject to physical or mental abuse or trafficking, it is difficult for them to get out of their abuse phase and focus on a better life.

and many more such causes.

The concept of feminization of poverty is not a feminist issue but rather an issue for the entire human race.