Profs. Gonyea & Melekis (PhD’11) Share Expertise on Older Women Experiencing Homelessness

the exterior of Boston University School of Social Work – Charles River Campus
Boston University School of Social Work, Charles River Campus

The growing number of women experiencing housing instability in later life calls for a re-evaluation of their unique needs and struggles. Prof. Judith Gonyea from BU School of Social Work and Prof. Kelly Melekis (PhD’11) from the University of Vermont delivered a talk at the 14th International Conference on Aging and Social Change in Galway, Ireland delving into the complex interplay of social identities, gendered experiences, and societal barriers that leave older women particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity.  

Their talk, “The Importance of an Intersectional Life Course Lens for Understanding Older Women’s Homelessness,” drew from multiple interviews with older women living on the streets or in shelters. The researchers revealed that many of the women’s challenges stem from the gendered nature of their financial insecurity, often associated with experiences of discrimination, stigma, and violence throughout their lives. The women interviewed also frequently reported the juggling of caregiving roles—both in their youth and later in life—which compounded their struggles.  

Gonyea and Melekis emphasized that housing instability is deeply rooted in structural issues. Factors contributing to gender-based poverty include more women in the lower-wage secondary labor market and discrimination faced in the housing market, especially for those with marginalized identities. To illustrate this, the researchers presented a case study that underscored these interconnected factors. They argued that eradicating homelessness among older women requires acknowledging and dismantling the complex and interrelated systemic inequalities that lead to housing precarity in the first place. They urged policymakers, housing advocates, and social workers to adopt an intersectional, life course approach to better understand and address the unique challenges faced by older women with more comprehensive research and policy.

Learn More About Prof. Gonyea’s Research