Since the beginning of the recession in 2007, with its high unemployment and rising poverty rates, more families than ever are struggling to make ends meet.
Social Security is a crucial source of income for many Americans. This is particularly true for women and people of color, who tend to have fewer alternative sources of income, experience higher poverty rates, and earn less on average throughout their working years (Hartmann, Hayes, and Drago 2011).
Race and Gender differences are still very significant.
The gender wage gap and occupational segregation – men primarily working in occupations done by other men, and women primarily working with other women – are persistent features of the US labor market.
The US economy has been growing since mid-2009. And yet, unemployment remains high, wages remain stagnant, and the Great Recession continues for millions of American families. Federal public debt is at an all time high, and states with budget shortfalls must balance their budgets.
Analysis from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) finds substantial variation across the country in rates of access to paid sick days for private sector employees.
With the ongoing debate in Congress over how to fund the remainder of the 2011 Fiscal Year, considerable uncertainty exists surrounding the funding picture for many federal programs going forward.
This report examines the role of child care as a crucial support for parents who pursue postsecondary education.
DOWNLOAD REPORT
