Poverty and economically‐deprived women and children: Theories, emerging policy issues and development

Theories of the family are outlined and related to the socioeconomic deprivation of females and children giving Indian illustrations. The importance of Sen’s entitlement approach is critically discussed in this context. Although international bodies, such as the UNDP, recognise the importance of gender issues in development, UNDP’s Gender Development Index is found to be a poor indicator of female and family welfare. The question is then investigated of how women and children are faring under structural adjustment policies and in transition. Structural adjustment policies have increased the incidence of poverty among women and children in subsistence contexts and in some former centrally planned economies. Furthermore, disadvantaged wives and children are at increasing risk of falling through social safety nets as the welfare state continues to be dismantled in western economies. Changed social welfare regimes reduce opportunities for disadvantaged children. Unfortunately, many neo‐liberals continue to approach welfare services purely from the cost side and fail to see that the supply of social welfare services can raise productivity and promote social justice. Economists should not avoid discussions of social justice.