Full Citation
Title: The Status of Women in North Carolina: Poverty and Opportunity
Citation Type: Miscellaneous
Publication Year: 2022
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Abstract: In North Carolina, many women have made great strides towards economic equality. More women are earning bachelor’s degrees and the number of women entrepreneurs is growing. Yet not all women have equal access to these opportunities and the support they need to thrive, leaving many struggling to achieve financial and economic security. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic “she-cession,” it is more important than ever to address poverty issues and barriers to opportunities for women in North Carolina. Access to quality education, responsive health care services, and dynamic business networks can help women thrive in the workforce and achieve economic success. These systems can help women bridge the divide between poverty and economic opportunity. This report provides data and analysis on several aspects of North Carolina women in the areas of poverty, economic security, access to opportunities, and support that helps women and families achieve economic stability. Data for this report was calculated based on a composite index generated from four key indicators: (1) health insurance coverage, (2) educational attainment, (3) business ownership, and (4) poverty rates. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are ranked on the composite score and component indicators. This report also examines data on topics such as poverty by household type, home ownership and houselessness, the number of public assistance recipients, and the impact of the pandemic on women in North Carolina. Each of these indicators are key components of poverty and opportunities for North Carolina women. Without adequate education, public support, or opportunities for advancement and entrepreneurship, women and families are more likely to face conditions of poverty. Throughout this report, data are analyzed by counties in North Carolina (when available) and disaggregated by racial and ethnic groups. Most of the data referenced in this report comes from 2019 and the year of data collection is noted. This report outlines the baseline of poverty and opportunity in North Carolina prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and shares emerging data on the impact of the pandemic. The final installment in a series of four publications, this report provides data and policy recommendations to improve the status of women in North Carolina—with a focus on poverty and opportunity. The first three reports focused on employment and earnings, health and wellness, and political participation. This series aims to provide critical data that can help build economic security and overall well-being among women in North Carolina. The reports serve as a resource that may be used to make data-driven decisions about how to shape public policies, prioritize investments, and set programmatic goals to improve the lives of women and families. This Poverty and Opportunity report highlights the status of women at the intersections of health, financial well-being, and education. These factors play a major role in determining the overall economic security of women and their families.
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Authors: Shaw, Elyse; Mariano, M A Halie
Publisher: Institute for Women's Policy Research
Data Collections: IPUMS USA, IPUMS CPS
Topics: Gender, Poverty and Welfare
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