Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Social Sciences in the 21st Century
Year: 2025
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Women at the Crossroads Between Welfare and Poverty
Silvia Varbanova, Maria Petkova
ABSTRACT:
The data presented in the paper is drawn from a more extensive study examining the culture of poverty via survey. This article focuses on women’s attitudes towards life goals, professional appearances, and educational aspirations. The statistical analysis (independent t-test and bivariate correlation analysis) identified significant differences among women based on their educational level and economic autonomy. The results revealed that financially independent women state more often clear goals for the future (p=0.039) and confidence to continue their education. Conversely, financially dependent women exhibited a stronger correlation with reluctance to plan the future and uncertainty regarding educational aspirations (p=0.040) They also indicated much stronger expectations to get/ receive help to fulfill their desires (p=0.003) and to start a business (p=0.009). Additionally, women with higher education demonstrated fewer hesitations and greater satisfaction and motivation toward professional endeavors compared to women with inferior education. The findings highlight a set of attitudes among women that can contribute to vulnerability and increased risk of poverty.
Keywords: educational aspirations, economic autonomy, poverty, professional performance, well-being