This critical new volume takes a hard look at the well-being of poor women in North America. It provides a rare opportunity to focus on one of the most pressing, but neglected social issues of our time--the injurious health consequences of impoverishment among women. A distinguished group of experts reviews the adequacy of our social and health policies and comments on a wide range of issues relating to poverty, gender, and health. Topics include the diversity in the population of poor women, the health and safety conditions of the work environments of working-poor, and factors that influence health conditions among poor and racial/ethnic women.