By: Patty Babich
Many women are finding that they are not making as much money as men. According to the American Association of University Women, "In their first year out of college, millennial women are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to their male peers." There have been many accusations of sexism in the workplace, and that may be the case at times, but there are many factors that can lead to this pay gap. Although the causes of this wage disparity are different, the consequences are ultimately the same, and it doesn't look good for women. Something needs to be done to help women earn the money that they work for.
Many women are finding that they are not making as much money as men. According to the American Association of University Women, "In their first year out of college, millennial women are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to their male peers." There have been many accusations of sexism in the workplace, and that may be the case at times, but there are many factors that can lead to this pay gap. Although the causes of this wage disparity are different, the consequences are ultimately the same, and it doesn't look good for women. Something needs to be done to help women earn the money that they work for.
"Even in temporary jobs, women get paid substantially less than men, for the same type of work" (Vermeulen).
Studies show that in some cases, women are making less money than men for the same job. Many employershave tried to blames this onthe fact that some men have more qualifications and skills. Skilled workers are paid more because it's harder to replace them if they were to quit. Women don't build up as much of these skills because some firms are reluctant to hire them in case they have to take a maternity leave or care for their children. But, Isabel Fernandez wasn't so sure that skills were the only reason women were being paid less so "She decided to examine and measure wage differences between men and women in the temporary employment sector" (Vermeulen). In temporary jobs, your specific skills don't matter, so wages should be equal. But, she found that women with the same qualifications still make about $25.08 to a man's $29.66. |
"Women are more likely to work in low-wage, "pink-collar" jobs such as teaching, child care, nursing, cleaning, and waitressing" (Glynn).
Unfair employers and discrimination are not the only causes of the pay gap. According to an article on Huff Post, "Women are more likely than men to major in fields like education and social sciences, which usually come with lower salaries" (Women's Pay Gap). This includes jobs such as secretaries, administrative assistants, teachers, retail salespeople, maids, and housekeepers. So the wage disparity isn't solely based on sexism, it's also a result of what type of jobs most women go after. These relatively low-paying, women-dominated jobs are increasing the pay gap, especially since they are "the kinds of jobs that the Department of Labor projects will grow faster than other occupations, so addressing the pay gap here will have long-term consequences" (Glynn). |
"When women's wages are lowered due to gender discrimination, their families' incomes are often significantly lowered as well" (Glynn).
Women are becoming breadwinners for their families more often than they used to be. Because women's salaries are lower, it is not only affecting them, but also any family they may be trying to support. Not only do women need to pay for families, they need to pay off their college debt. Men and women have similar amounts of college debt, but women are having a harder time paying back debt because their salaries are, on average, lower. If something isn't done to try and fix this pay gap, women will be stuck in a cycle of small pay checks and big debt. |
Recommendations
Breaking out of this wage disparity will be difficult, but it can be done. One plan of action is geared toward employer's, telling them to make sure that they check what they are paying their employees to make sure they do not have a pay gap. But, not all employers are honest or willing to do that, so women looking for jobs are also responsible. Women are urged to think about what kind of salary a job would entail when they are choosing their major in college. Closing the pay gap will not be easy, but we can take small steps to get us closer to finding the solution.
Works Cited ListBass, Frank, and Jennifer Oldham. "Wage Gap for U.S. Women Endures Even as Jobs Increase." Bloomberg.com. N.p., 25 Oct. 2012. Web.
Glynn, Sarah J., and Audrey Powers. "The Top 10 Facts About the Wage Gap."Americanprogress.org. Center for American Progress, 16 Apr. 2012. Web.
Vermeulen, Freek. "Wage Differences between Men and Women - Sexist or Functional?"
Forbes.com. N.p., 28 Feb. 2011. Web.
"Women's Pay Gap Starts Right After College, Exacerbates Student Debt: Study."Huffingtonpost.com. N.p., 24 Oct. 2012. Web.
Glynn, Sarah J., and Audrey Powers. "The Top 10 Facts About the Wage Gap."Americanprogress.org. Center for American Progress, 16 Apr. 2012. Web.
Vermeulen, Freek. "Wage Differences between Men and Women - Sexist or Functional?"
Forbes.com. N.p., 28 Feb. 2011. Web.
"Women's Pay Gap Starts Right After College, Exacerbates Student Debt: Study."Huffingtonpost.com. N.p., 24 Oct. 2012. Web.