Gendered Racial Disparities in Functional Limitations: Exploring the Role of Life-Course Family Care
2024

Gendered Racial Disparities in Functional Limitations

Sample size: 8848 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lee Chioun, Park Soojin

Primary Institution: University of California Riverside

Hypothesis

This study aims to understand why minority women are vulnerable to functional limitations by exploring culturally embodied factors influencing health disparities.

Conclusion

Adverse family care profiles are more common among women, particularly Blacks, and explain one-third of Black-White disparities in functional limitations.

Supporting Evidence

  • Adverse family care profiles were linked to more functional limitations.
  • Black women were more likely to experience early and non-marital motherhood.
  • Caring for disabled family members had a greater adverse effect on Black women.

Takeaway

The study found that Black women face more challenges in family care, which leads to more health problems compared to White women.

Methodology

Data were collected from the MIDUS II, Refresher, and Milwaukee surveys, focusing on family care measures and racial disparities.

Participant Demographics

The sample included Non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks, with 18% Blacks and 53% women.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0523

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication