The feminization of urban poverty refers to the greater vulnerability of women to poverty in cities due to multiple interconnected factors, such as wage inequality, unpaid care work, and limited access to basic resources. This phenomenon has been widely studied by scholars such as Sylvia Chant and Caroline Moser, who have identified that women—especially those in the most vulnerable sectors—face specific barriers that place them at an economic disadvantage compared to men. One of the main factors contributing to the feminization of poverty is wage inequality. In many cities, women tend to receive lower salaries than men for work of equal value, which limits their ability to access resources such as housing and education.
Chant has argued that this disparity not only affects women in terms of income but also restricts their social mobility and their ability to escape poverty. In addition, labor precarization in sectors where women are overrepresented, such as domestic service or informal commerce, reinforces these inequalities. Another key aspect is the unpaid care work carried out by women. Moser has pointed out that this type of labor, although essential for the functioning of households and economies, is neither adequately recognized nor compensated.
Women devote a significant amount of time and effort to caring for children, the elderly, and other family members, which limits their participation in the labor market and therefore their access to stable income. This double burden—both inside and outside the home—increases women’s vulnerability to poverty. The lack of access to basic resources, such as potable water, sanitation, and adequate housing, also worsens the situation of women living in urban poverty. According to Chant, urban policies often fail to consider women’s specific needs, resulting in urban environments that perpetuate their marginalization.
Women, particularly those living in informal settlements, face additional challenges in accessing these resources due to insecurity and inadequate infrastructure. Furthermore, the feminization of poverty affects not only women individually but also their families, particularly female-headed households. In many cities, single mothers face greater difficulties in finding well-paid jobs and accessing social services, which perpetuates a cycle of intergenerational poverty. Public policies are not always designed to address these realities, thereby reinforcing the vulnerability of these households.
In conclusion, the feminization of urban poverty is a complex phenomenon that requires a comprehensive approach to address it effectively. Wage inequality, unpaid care work, and limited access to basic resources are among the factors that perpetuate poverty among women in cities. To advance toward greater equity, it is essential that public policies recognize these disparities and adopt specific measures to improve the living conditions of women in urban contexts.
