Women of all ages continue to enter the work force in greater numbers while the work force participation rate for males is declining. Women are disproportionately concentrated in low-paying, dead-end jobs. Employment discrimination continues to be a significant problem. Job interruptions necessitated by family responsibilities are a major factor in poverty among midlife and older women. Although the median income of women at all ages falls below that of men, the disparity is greatest for midlife women. Pension participation is least likely among low wage, part-time workers and in many industries where female workers predominate. Pension participation by women often either requires larger contributions than those paid by men or produces fewer benefits in retirement. Older women have less Social Security income than men and are more likely to rely on it as their sole source of support. Despite the increased labor force participation of women, their economic status remains tied to men. Women are negatively affected by Social Security and private pension regulations that determine the benefits they receive after divorce or the death of a spouse. Midlife women are disproportionately represented among the 21 million adults without health insurance. Family responsibilities remain the primary reason given by women who remain outside the paid work force. (A 42-item listing of sources is included.) (CML)