Women, Wealth, and Health; Employment, Pensions, and Poverty

• Activity Number: 439
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 7, 2003 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Social Statistics Section
• Author(s): Martha B. Aliaga*+ and Janet Malley*+ and Mary W. Gray*+ and Gladys H. Reynolds*+ and Mari Palta*+
• Companies: University of Michigan and University of Michigan and American University and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and University of Wisconsin
• Keywords: women ; wealth ; health ; employment ; education ; pension

Abstract

In the past, educational and employment opportunities have differed greatly for women and minorities, resulting in less access to services, health care, employment opportunities, and retirement benefits. Inequities that persist in wealth and income are perpetuated and even exacerbated in our pension system, to the disadvantage of women. In the university, the work environment for women scientists may be significantly worse than that for men. Areas of concern include mentoring, gender discrimination, unwanted sexual attention, the departmental climate and the chair's role. Socioeconomic conditions are perhaps the most important determinants of health and well-being. Many studies have shown an association among mortality or life expectancy and income/weath and social status. Among minority groups, a higher proportion live in poverty. In the U.S., poor people of any racial-ethnic group are less likely to have access to health care. Persistent racial and ethnic disparities exist in the allocation of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. Speakers will present data and discuss the issues.