Answer to Question 1
Answer: The feminization of poverty is a trend in which women who support themselves or their families have become the majority of the adult population living in poverty, regardless of age and ethnic group. Although many middle-aged divorcing adults are in comfortable economic circumstances, for a considerable number of women, marital breakupespecially when it is repeatedseverely reduces standard of living. Consequently, in midlife and earlier, divorce contributes to the feminization of poverty. The gender gap in poverty has declined in Western nations, due to womens increased labor market participation, a reduction in the gender pay gap, and public policies supporting women and families. But because of weaker U.S. public policies, the gender gap in poverty remains higher in the United States than in other Western countries.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: Most people experience grandparenthood as a significant milestone, mentioning one or more of the following gratifications:
Valued older adultbeing perceived as a wise, helpful person
Immortality through descendantsleaving behind not just one but two generations after death
Reinvolvement with personal pastbeing able to pass family history and values to a new generation
Indulgencehaving fun with children without major child-rearing responsibilities
Middle-aged adults typically rate grandparenthood as highly important, following closely behind the roles of parent and spouse but ahead of worker, son or daughter, and sibling. Longer life expectancy means that many adults will spend one-third or more of their lifespan in the grandparent role.
Patterns of Poverty
Who Ends Up Poor? Poverty by Education and Race-Ethnicity
Age and Trends in Poverty
The "Where" of U.S. Divorce
Factors That Contribute to Eating Disorders
Ramey's study, children from poverty-level families IQ experiment