THE POVERTY OF UNATTACHED SENIOR WOMEN AND THE CANADIAN RETIREMENT INCOME SYSTEM: A MATTER OF BLAME OR CONTRADICTION?

摘要: Structural and financial inadequacy of Canada's retirement income system, especially with respect to support benefits (i.e. Old Age Security), are often identified as one major reason unattached senior women experience poverty. While it may be compelling blame low benefit levels changing eligibility requirements, particularly because 'crisis' policy discourses have influenced questionable restructuring over time the clawback), this paper argues that is too simplistic an account relationship between these women's poverty system. Other broad social-structural factors at play in lives potential disentitle their access security old age. Specifically, mismatch economic situations life course claims pension or savings presented important for why many still poor despite provisions retirement. Key words: poverty, women, income, discourse ********** system consists three levels: supports (Old social insurance (Canada Pension Plan) occupational plans registered plans. As a expanded evolution post-war welfare state, was designed provide elderly persons who risks associated age related such compulsory health problems. Despite intentions, citizens poor. According recent Census data, more than 600,000 Canadians 65 were living year 2000. More live men (approximately 428,300 compared just 173,000, respectively) (Statistics Canada, 2003). The Security behind experienced by women. This blaming first level not surprising, view surrounding population aging federal debt clawback). However, accurate portrayal It argument other, inhibit realization through second third Across course, overwhelmingly segregation, disparity, unpaid work responsibilities prior These significant barriers impede suitable pensions and/or ability save future In exploring (widowed, divorced/ separated ever single) section provides brief description structure Attention drawn persistence among how particular discourses, sometimes contradictory, section. section, I describe show they them discussion demonstrates …