Are men or women more sensitive to a weak economy? This article suggests that women feel more economically insecure during shaky economic times, whereas this article claims that inflation has more of a negative impact on women’s health than men’s health. (Note that the first article refers to the US, and the second to Australia).
Among the reasons given: women feel that bad economic times are tougher due to gender pay inequality and the pressure to support their families, and -- as the main purchasers of everyday goods and usually the ones responsible for household budgeting -- women are more sensitive to the rising costs of goods which thus affects their health.
Conversely, more men are confident about their economic security (44% compared with women’s 33%). However, some of it might be a “false sense of security,” with men believing their purchasing power is consistent or steadily increasing – at least until they suddenly realize their dinner bill is more expensive than it used to be.
Not to say that men are oblivious to the state of the economy, especially when it’s in bad shape. But I think with women still tending to do most of the grocery shopping, driving to the mall, and paying the bills, they are constantly surrounded by reminders of prices going up and it makes sense that they worry whether the money they have will be enough. You could argue that this is a generalization though.
It’s interesting to observe the impact of a weak economy on women specifically, but one also has to consider the role of women’s race and social class. And whether the woman is working, raising children, single, or all three. And whether or not health insurance is available to them. Presidential candidates would do well to address these issues, because women will be heavily considering their policies on more spending on childcare, education, and promoting job equity in the upcoming elections.
(By the way, please ignore the line in the second article that goes, “The key to women’s happiness is a bigger [shopping cart].” Wow, really? Women are happiest when we have more stuff? I love shopping as much as the next girl, but I thought you could only say that --without being called a sexist pig -- on Sex and the City. Then again, maybe it says something about an economy propelled by consumerism…?)
1 comment:
I agree with most of what Bea said in response to these articles. They provide good information about opposing positions of this topic. I do think that whether a man or woman is more confident depends on the individual. It is difficult to put men in women in a category when there is such a broad spectrum of economic security throughout both sexes. I don't believe what Bea said about men being less aware of the economic state than women. I believe they may be even more aware. Women have become more aware than they have been in the past but men still probably make it more of a priority than women.
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