Economic vulnerability in different stages of life

Despite well-developed welfare systems in the Nordic countries, poverty is a growing problem. More Nordic citizens face economic vulnerability today than ten years ago, and in several of the Nordic countries the gap between rich and poor has increased. The growing number of children living in poverty is particularly serious, as is the fact that many pensioners, especially women, are living in economic hardship. It is therefore necessary to consider all stages of life in order to more effectively tackle poverty. This knowledge base describes economic vulnerability through all phases of life and shows the conditions of different groups. It also addresses economic violence in different forms, the consequences for victims and the need for support structures The report has been produced by Nordic Information on Gender (NIKK) a co-operative body under the Nordic Council of Ministers.