Intersecting Inequalities: Gender Differences in Old-Age Poverty

This study investigates the intersectionality of gender and other social determinants in shaping poverty experiences among older adults. Biographical interviews are used to analyse the influence of factors such as childhood experiences, educational attainment, employment history, social networks and caring responsibilities on poverty outcomes, with a particular focus on the ways in which these factors intersect with gender. The study focuses on key life stages, namely childhood, education, employment, partnership and retirement, in order to gain insight into how these intersections contribute to lifelong deprivations. The findings demonstrate that older women and men face unique challenges due to compounded inequalities across their lifespan. Our findings reveal significant disparities between older men and women, rooted in lifelong deprivations shaped by societal norms and expectations. By adopting an intersectional approach, this study highlights the need for targeted policies that address the complex nature of old-age poverty through a gender-sensitive lens.