As an example of the intersection of race, class and gender, look at the financial situation of older Black women. Because African Americans are less likely to receive private pensions, have 401(k) plans or have substantial savings, Social Security benefits are critical for the livelihood of black senior citizens. African American women over age 65 rely on Social Security for about 54 percent of their income on average. This is a very different picture than women from other racial/ethnic groups.

What factors contribute to this difference?