The Feminization of Poverty among the Elderly Population of Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper examines the feminization of poverty among the aged population in Hong Kong. Women are systemically disadvantaged wherever old age pension is linked to prior wages and contributions because, on average, they are paid less than men. They are also much more likely to have interrupted or part-time work histories, because of the predominance of women in care-giving roles within families. Consequently, women's pension benefits, compared to those of men in Hong Kong are predicated on smaller incomes and fewer years of formal service. In the light of the lower wages and interrupted work histories, this paper examines the newly implemented pension system and the Mandatory Provident Fund that discount women's unpaid work, and generate economic insecurity among elderly women.

Keywords:

• Hong Kong
• women
• work
• aging
• pension fund