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The feminization of poverty

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Grip of Death

PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:34 pm


In my intro to Sociology textbook that I read a while back, there was discussion about the growing presence of the feminization of poverty. The feminization of poverty is basically where there is a growing surge of women living in poverty. What I'm interested in discussing is how the issue of pro choice vs. pro life affects the feminization of poverty.

Off the top of my mind, I can think of some of these ideas~

I feel that if pro-life ideas were enacted, it would contribute to the feminization of poverty.

+ teens have restricted access to sex education. Ususally, pro-life people are also deeply religious and feel compelled to also kill off sex ed programs because they feel that information about sex and contraceptives will fuel sexual activity. And to them, "casual" sexual activity is at the root of the problem of "unwanted pregnancies", so why not kill off those children's curiousities about sex? (even though in reality, teens are natually exploring themselves).

+ growing rates of pregnancy occurs. Usually, it's girls from poorer socioeconomic statuses and from shaken/unstable homes that engage in sexual activity/especially with no contraceptives. Since it's an issue already dealing with poorer women, it's a double whammy.

+ if the girl has to attain permission from her parents to get an abortion, this may fuel complications. At the extremes, she may be cut off from all types of support from her family (not to mention stigmatized, as the double-standard for women and sex is ever so present still).

+ if the girl has absolutely no access to abortion at all, then she has little choice than to illegally, unsafely terminate the pregnancy, or carry the fetus to birth. Since pregnancy is a life-altering event that affects the woman wholistically, she may have difficulties adjusting to it and meeting other demands in her life. in other words, she may have a hard time getting an education or holding onto a job.

+ The most obvious point xd -----> if the girl accepts her initially unwanted child, then new expenses and challenges have to be faced. Especially if she doesn't have access to the father of the child, her family, or any other sufficient support system. Which is tradegically common in poor single mother families.

These are just a few points I threw up in the air for now. feel free to critique, correct, agree, add in, whatever. smile I wish I could stay on here longer tonight but I have homework assignments that need to be completed gonk
PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 2:14 pm


I'm surprised that no one has responded here yet. The very crux of the issue of pro-choice is with the emphasis with women's rights and equalities. And yet, the feminization of poverty is a huge threat and barrier for women to acheive those equalities.

Oh, another point to be made with pro-life affecting the feminization of poverty~

+ a poor pregnant woman who seeks an abortion, but the abortion isn't state funded or no other aid could be given to the poor woman will have to struggle just to raise the money to have the abortion. No aid hurts poor women. forcing women to have children hurts women. and for poor women who have and keep their children, it hurts both the women and the children.

Grip of Death


Sotek

PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 2:19 pm


Yes, that's a significant issue.
PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 3:57 pm


I'd have replied sooner but I can't think of anything to add other than "Exactly what I would have said if I had the research materials on hand."

ssokolow


Grip of Death

PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:57 pm


ssokolow
I'd have replied sooner but I can't think of anything to add other than "Exactly what I would have said if I had the research materials on hand."


Lol. whee

Thanks for commenting on my topic, fellas. ^,^

I actually wrote all that up without fumbling through resources. I live, eat, and breathe the social sciences. xp

OOOHHH, I believe on the pbs.org site, the polititians are trying to snag the single-mothers to vote because they are a large group.

http://www.pbs.org/now/

It will be very interesting to see what comes out of that.
PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 10:17 am


ooo! another tie in with another of my topics~

in regards to the feminization of poverty, pro-life's feelings about the roles of women could further spread the fires of poverty. As I discussed in this thread, I felt that pro-life wants to have women follow traditional gender roles.

(traditional gender roles for women include being keeper of the house, not pursueing a career, making babies, stuff like that).

It's one thing if the woman wants to live that lifestyle for herself. But if pro-life pushes a woman to keep (or at least birth) a baby, then she might be pushed into poverty. It's one thing to consider in the back of your mind.

Grip of Death

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Pro-Choice Gaians

 
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