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Article: Why Social Security Is Critical For African American Women
- Article from:
- Atlanta Inquirer
- Article date:
- July 20, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightProvided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Kitchens, Ann
Atlanta Inquirer
07-20-2002
Today in America, African American women live longer and poorer lives than
men. We spend 17 years caring for children and 18 years caring for elderly
parents, often at the same time. As a result, we may take up to 14 years
out of the workforce, as we try to balance the demands of caregiving with
the demands of financial need. We take flexible but low-wage jobs without
benefits (especially pensions), hurting our already slim chances for
financial security in old age. We earn only 64 percent of what white men
earn, and the impact of wage discrimination doesn't end when the jobs does.
Over a 35-year career, that's $410,000 less to save or invest for our
...