Chapter 13 discusses women, African Americans,
Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and improving the status
of ethnic elders. According to Hillier & Barrow (2011), women, including
older ones, in the United States, are in a minority status. They do not
participate equally in the political and economic structures. Older women are
victims of double standards of aging, a standard that judges them more harshly
as they age. A large percentage of elders in poverty are females. Ethnic elders
suffer from inequality in the United States. Older blacks are poorer than older
whites, and have a lower life expectancy, poorer health, more inferior housing,
and less material comforts. Although some African Americans are well-to-do,
others are impoverished. Family ties, religion, and a resolve to persevere are
special strengths. Hispanic elders are not a homogeneous group. About half of all Hispanic elders are Mexican
Americans; others come from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and various Central and South
American countries. Hispanic elders have suffered major linguistic and cultural
barriers to assimilation, and their socioeconomic status is low. Asian
Americans elders also come from many countries. They, too, have encountered
racial hatred, language barriers, and discrimination. Native Americans elders
are a small group. But by any social or economic indicator, they are possibly
the most deprived group in the United States. More efforts need to be directed
at correcting inequities for ethnic minorities and women.
Hillier, S. & Barrow, G.
(2011). Aging, the individual, and society. 3-28. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH
This is true most women period are minority status. I feel that a lot of the problems come way before Asian,blacks,and Hispanic women get older. The type of job woman had plays a roll.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is absolutely amazing the struggles that women go through. Especially being of another ethnicity besides caucasion. And I completely agree being a women and of a different ethnicity is double standard because that means they're discriminated against twice as much. It is just so sad to see some of the people behave some of these days towards other ethnicity's, let alone women. Women have had their struggles and ethnic women have struggled much more, but to overcoming them, for the most part, is absolutley incredible, especially in today's world. I remember watching a news cast one time and a man had the nerve to say, "women being bread winners is just absolutely ridiculous." I think it is empowering and makes people have a little more respect for women and even more respect as they age. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to know and see such discrimination is still going on in this day and age. Women and especially women of different ethnicity face extreme obstacles. They endure inequality in every aspect in life. They are paid lower wages than men and many times are passed up for promotions simply because of their sex or ethnic origin. It is sad to know so many elders living in the US do so in poverty and the majority is women. The mindset of society needs to shift in a more positive and favorable direction towards women in general, regardless of race. This could eliminate many of the issues they face in regards to living in substandard housing, having little or no access to health care, and a shorten life expectancy. Your post was very thorough and touch on many of the factors and issues of inequality towards women and ethnic groups.
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