A report commissioned by Women NSW, New South Wales Government Department of Family and Community Services.

The report examines the main measurement issues that arise when assessing the socio-economic status of women over the life course. Key socio-economic status indicators include: low educational attainment; low personal income; income support payments is main source of income; low personal wealth; low equivalised household income; low household wealth; and public or rent-assisted housing tenancy. The characteristics of lower socio-economic status women in New South Wales and the policy implications are also discussed. The report highlights that care needs to be given in choosing a measure of socio-economic status that best suits the purpose of the measurement and the life stage of women being examined.