Parameters of the Problem

Attached to this paper (see Appendix A) is a series of statistical tables and graphs, each with an explanatory comment, which outlines the extent of functional illiteracy in Canada and some of the basic characteristics of undereducated women. The data are all taken from Census of Canada figures. Where possible we have included that from both 1971 and 1976. In those cases where the 1976 data are missing, the material is not yet available or the relevant questions were not asked on the census form.

In summary, the tables yield the following generalized facts:

• men are, in general, more likely to be functionally illiterate than women
  
  
• urban women are more likely to be functionally illiterate than urban men; while rural women are less likely to be functionally illiterate than rural men.
  
  
• the rate of functional illiteracy is higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
  
  
• The rate of functional illiteracy increases as age increases.
  
  
• 75% of women who are basic illiterates and 65% of those who are functional illiterates are 45 years and over in age. This still leaves 104 000 women who are basic illiterates and 620 000 women who are functional illiterates all of whom are under 45 years of age (101 000 and 646 000 respectively for men under 45 years of age).
  
  
• none of these figures takes into account the current graduates from secondary schools who, at least in the judgment of their post-secondary instructors, are incapable of functional reading, writing and computing.
  
  
• the rate of functional illiteracy has declined in the past decade, but the rate at which this decline is occurring appears to be slowing.
  
  
• among the immigrant population, women are more likely to be both basic and functional illiterates than men.
  
  
• the rate of functional illiteracy is highest in Newfoundland and New Brunswick and lowest in Alberta and British Columbia
  
  
• those who are functionally illiterate are less likely to be attending school full-time than those who are literate.
  
  
• illiterate women are less likely to be attending school than illiterate men.
  
  
• women in general are less likely to be attending school full-time than men, but they are increasingly more likely to be attending part-time. Figures for part-time attendance of those who are functional illiterates is not available.
  
  
• labour force participation rates for women increase with increased schooling levels. Unemployment rates are inconsistent, but mostly show a decrease with increases in schooling.
  
  
• women earn, on the average, less than half of what men earn. Illiterate women earn less than half of what illiterate men earn and about 80% of what the average woman earns.
  
  
• women earn less than men in every occupational group. Illiterate women earn less than illiterate men in every occupational group.
  
  
• women who work full-time earn approximately the same amount as men who work part-time except for those women who work more than 48 weeks (11 months). These full-time women earn more than part-time men.
  
  
• women who work part-time earn about 40% of what full-time women earn; men who work part-time earn about 33% of what full-time men earn.
  
  
• Women tend to cluster in two major occupational groups: service and clerical occupations. There is no corresponding occupational "ghetto" for men.