Feminization of Poverty

The feminization of poverty concept was initially used to explain a phenomenon starting in the 1970s in the United States, where it was observed that the number of female-headed poor families with minor children increased, while the number of male-headed poor families (male only or both partners) decreased during the same period. Later on, the concept became common in relating poverty with gender inequality throughout the world. Feminization of poverty thus means, specifically, the increase in the lack of financial resources in female-headed households in comparison to that in male-headed households. Since poverty alleviation has been the focus of international economic development since the 1990s, and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals specifically focus on “full and productive employment and decent work for all, including ...