In 1980 the poverty rates for women were about one and a half times greater than those for men. Between 1950 and 1980 the degree of inequality between the sexes increased by about 30 percent. This paper describes those trends, focusing on the sex of the individual rather than sex of the household head. It also examines differences in the risk of poverty by age. The analysis is organized around the following three questions: (1) Are women more likely to be poor than men, and if so, at what age are gender differences most apparent? (2) What are the sources of gender differences in poverty in 1980? and (3) How much of the change in the gender poverty ratio between 1960 and 1980 is due to changes in family/household patterns, including changes in marital status, parental status and living arrangements? The following were found to influence the gender gap: (1) greater lifespan of women; (2) gender roles and division of labor within the family; (3) gender gap in earning; and (4) changing family patterns. The following two solutions are discussed: strengthening family ties and reducing women's dependence on men. Statistical information and charts are appended. (PS)