On the basis of the most recent statistical data available in the region, this chapter prepared by the Women and Development Unit was integrated to the Social Panorama of Latin America 2002-2003 to attempt to answer the key question of whether poverty affects women and men differently.

 

Contents

Introduction

A. HOUSEHOLDS AND POVERTY: A GENDER ANALYSIS

B. ARE THERE MORE POOR WOMEN THAN POOR MEN?

C. HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES
1. Poverty and heads of household
2. Women and the caring economy
3. Reproductive work and time distribution

D. LABOUR MARKET INEQUALITY AND POVERTY

E. PARTICIPATION IN DECISION–MAKING
1. Participation in society’s decisions

 

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Introduction

Chapter III provides information on developments during the 1990s, following on the analysis begun in an earlier edition of the Social Panorama of Latin America (ECLAC, 1995). This chapter attempts to answer the key question of whether poverty affects women and men differently. To this end, it presents a conceptual framework for an analysis of poverty from a gender perspective; analyses the quantitative impact of poverty, which is greater for women; demonstrates inequalities existing within families and households which are associated with the constraints of poverty and time; analyses labour–market inequalities and their effects on women’s economic autonomy; and finally, presents two dimensions of poverty not traditionally examined: inequalities in decision–making autonomy and unequal access to power. The main conclusion is that poverty has more severe effects on women, whose contribution is critical if poverty is to be overcome in the region.

Accordingly, gender equality –that is, the elimination of social inequalities between men and women– must be one of the overriding objectives of any policy to overcome poverty.

 

Further information:
Unidad Mujer y Desarrollo
Tel: (56-2) 210 2565 - Fax: (56-2) 228 5184
Casilla 179 D, Santiago Chile - Email: umujer@eclac.cl