Poverty Among Black Elderly Women

Abstract

Older Black women, categorically rank at the top with regards to the greatest incidence of poverty. This paper examines the construct of poverty and the salient factors that contribute to poverty among older Black women. An analysis of the various factors: income, Social Security, private pensions, widowhood, labor force participation and education, all of which contribute to the impoverishment of women in late life, are explored. Implications for policy as well as recommendations to reduce poverty among older Black women are provided.