Thanks for replying.  Yes, research shows that unemployed and underemployed women are depressed as a group.  And, all this, to me, is a function of several factors that include literacy, especially in multicultural, multisocial populations.  You are right to point all of this out, for this is exactly what we miss in studies, the comprehensive view from ALL sides. For example, women miss work because of childcare problems, (a work issue), but the underlying issue here is not having enough money to pay for fulltime high-end child care, (an economic issue).  Economics is a huge factor here, and in all social problems, it is my idea. 

You are also right when you say that we baby boomers were sold (through advertising, media, and other social institutions) the idea that more education = a better life, and now we know that assumption has real flaws.  It is true that no literacy or low literacy does not lead directly to great jobs, and a great life, but high literacy (and here we are talking about linguistic literacy as opposed to family literacy, for example, although they are related) does not equate to great jobs, either, as witnessed by the enormous population of underpaid educators, largely women, whose level of education in terms of years and degrees may dwarf other professions.  

I am fascinated by your perspective, Dr./Ms. Sapp, and wonder if you and maybe other members of our list would elaborate on your ideas a bit?  For example, how do you think you were sold the idea of education = money, and why?  How has it played out for your friends, and for yourself?  What is the fallout?  How would yo change things?

I would like to include this subject(s) and your ideas in our book, so please do give me your thoughts.

Most appreciatively,

Judith Sinclair, PhD
Cognitive Psychologist
Social and Behavioral Analyst
Founder and CEO
Sinclair & Associates International, LLC
Washington, DC Office
Phone: 202-364-3893
Mobile: 202-236-9822
3003 Van Ness Street, NW
Suite 308 South
Washington, DC  20008
email: j-p-sinclair at att.net
www.sinclairLLC.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: janice sapp 
  To: povertyliteracy at dev.nifl.gov 
  Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 2:44 AM
  Subject: RE: [PovertyLiteracy] women, literacy, and mental health


  Judith,

  I think your stats are fascinating. Do they show that women who are underemployed are also depressed as a group? Isn't that a problem of 'literacy' as well?  I know that your book is already long enough when you deal with literacy and unemployment or underemployment, but thiss is also a very interesting topic born of the same issue. 

  Many of us baby boomers were sold and bourght the idea of more education = more money, job security, etc. Interesting point of view, but it doesn't pan out nearly enough. I wonder about the stats?  Janice Sapp




----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From: "Judith Sinclair" <j-p-sinclair at worldnet.att.net>
    Reply-To: "The Poverty, Race, &amp; Literacy Discussion List" <povertyliteracy at dev.nifl.gov>
    To: "The Poverty, Race, &amp; Literacy Discussion List" <povertyliteracy at dev.nifl.gov>,<kaye_beall at worlded.org>
    Subject: [PovertyLiteracy] women, literacy, and mental health
    Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 11:04:09 -0600


    Hello,

    I have begun work on a book that addresses the various factors that define 
    the relationship between literacy and women's mental health, mental illness 
    and addiction.  I am interested in the traditional biomedical, clinical, and 
    services perspectives.  I am also interested in anecdotal materials, 
    personal and otherwise.  Within the bounds of the literacy continuum I would 
    include English as a second or foreign language, education levels, and so 
    on, across all ages and populations.

    These is an important query, I believe, for did you know that about 83 
    percent of working women with depression found it to be the number one 
    barrier to success in the workplace?  As NMHA and AMWA write, "depression 
    affects about five million employed American women each year, and the women 
    surveyed identified behaviors such as leaving work early or not returning 
    from lunch, avoiding contact with coworkers and being unable to face work as 
    common problems associated with their illness." 
    (http://www.vagusnervestimulator.com/topics/workplacedepression.cfm, 
    National Mental Health Association; American Medical Women's Association, 
    November 11, 2003).

    When we factor in the percentage of women from multicultural backgrounds who 
    by definition represent a range of linguistic literacy accomplishment, we 
    begin to see the fluid interrelationship and the need for investigation. If 
    you have something I might find of interest, please let me know.

    Thank you,

    Dr. Judith Peyton Sinclair

    Relevant Indicia:
    Judith Sinclair, PhD
    Cognitive Psychologist
    Social and Behavioral Analyst
    Founder and CEO
    Sinclair & Associates International, LLC
    Washington, DC Office
    Phone: 202-364-3893
    Mobile: 202-236-9822
    3003 Van Ness Street, NW
    Suite 308 South
    Washington, DC  20008
    email: j-p-sinclair at att.net
    www.sinclairLLC.com 


    yliteracy




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