Accidental Feminists

Western women over fifty are a revolutionary generation.

They are the first in history to have been in paid work for most of their lives. The power and freedom of this financial independence is unprecedented. These women are making their own decisions, spending what they have earned and, increasingly, inherited But this financial transformation is not equally enjoyed. The fastest-growing group among the homeless are women over fifty-five. Women retire with half the super of men and one-third of women retire with none at all.

The reward for a lifetime of paid work, domestic labour and-particularly-caring for others can be a penurious old age. Jane Caro investigates what predisposes some women to succeed and others to fall so heavily. Did they all have the same choices? And if not, why not? How can we avoid leading another generation of women into such an unequal future?

About the Author

Jane Caro is an author, novelist, broadcaster, columnist, advertising writer and social commentator. She was awarded the 2018 Walkley for Women’s Leadership.