ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

This study examined structural factors involved in Women's poverty in cases of Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Philippines. For the purposes of the study, the following steps were taken: First, characteristics and conditions of Women's poverty in each country were examined. Second, characteristics and problems of family, labor market, welfare policy were analyzed as structural factors explaining Women's poverty. Lastly, similarities and differences in structural factors among these countries were examined. Identifying the increase in female-headed households and the rate they occupy among the poor as a criterion of feminization of poverty, it could be said that Women's poverty in Asia is on the rise, which is similar to the phenomenon in the western society. Female-headed households in poverty were found to be increasing in Japan and Taiwan, and in Singapore, more female-headed households were in poverty compared to their male counterparts. In the case of Philippines, the increase in female-headed households was lower compared to other three countries and the poverty rate among female-headed households was lower than their male counterparts. However, they were similar with other countries in that environment of Women's poverty is consistently expanding. That is, gender division of labor within family, gender discrimination in the labor market as well as gender blind welfare policies were common in all four Asian countries, which are conditions known to lead to feminization of poverty. A common feature found among Asian countries is that despite different economic statuses of each country, familialism was strong at work in the labor market as well as in the welfare policy. And along with the patriarchical system the government operates on, these structural factors of Women's poverty are being maintained and reinforced.

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