Search

Despite efforts to maintain a satisfactory quality of life, a significant proportion of American workers face substantial material hardship. However, studies of material hardship have paid scant attention to lower-wage workers; hospital service, clerical, and technical workers represent a crucial yet understudied subset of this population. Using survey data from hospital workers employed by a large hospital in Pennsylvania, this research identified prevailing patterns of material hardship among these workers and investigated contributing factors, including hourly wages, utilization of public benefits, and demographics. The findings revealed the presence of two distinct material hardship groups: the high-hardship group (those with a high risk of experiencing multiple hardships concurrently) and the low-hardship group (those with a low risk). Notably, higher wages, better health, and being White were associated with a reduced likelihood of belonging to the high-hardship group. Conversely, an increased number of children in a household and utilization of a utility bill assistance program were associated with an elevated risk of belonging to the high-hardship group. The results hold several policy implications, including the need to increase hourly wages, enlarge antipoverty policy initiatives, enhance access to preventive health services, and offer more comprehensive childcare support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volunteering is viewed as an empowerment process whereby older adults actively participate in the community and improve their well-being and health. Yet little is known about racial differences in volunteering, and even less in terms of perceived benefits from volunteering as a means of empowerment. The present study addresses this research gap by examining the differences in volunteer experience and perceived benefits from volunteering between older black people and white people. Purposive and convenience samples were drawn from the city of Pittsburgh and questionnaires were completed by 180 adults ages 60 and over. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that black participants were less likely than their white counterparts to volunteer in formal organizations; however, once engaged, they committed more time and perceived more psychosocial benefits from volunteering. Also volunteering and self-reported health demonstrated a stronger relationship in the black sample than among the white sample. This study suggests that black older adults have more to gain from volunteer engagement and feel empowered through meaningful involvement in the community and improved physical and emotional quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]