Retirement Security for Black, Non-Hispanic White, and Mexican-Origin Women: The Changing Roles of Marriage and Work

Abstract

Changing family patterns and high rates of marital instability mean that women are increasingly responsible for their own retirement security. In this study we compare private retirement coverage among pre-retirement age people using multiple years of the Current Population Survey. We find that women are less likely than men to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans. Married women are at highest risk of lacking coverage. Minority group status compounds this disadvantage, with Mexican-origin women far less likely than any other group to have coverage. These gender, race, and Mexican-origin disadvantages in retirement coverage have implications for the economic security of women.