Social Security makes up a much larger share of total retirement income for unmarried women and minorities than it does for married couples, unmarried men and whites.

Watson taught elementary school and was a school psychologist in the Los Angeles public schools. Watson was elected to the California State Senate from 1978 to 1998. S.

She worked as a psychologist professor and health occupation specialist before serving as a member of the Los Angeles Unified School Board (1975–78). She was a member of the California Senate from 1978 to 1998 and the US Ambassador to Micronesia from 1999 to 2000.