Today’s guest post analyzes the gender wage gap. We’ve already looked at the pay between men vs. women in major sports and now it’s time to take another look at the issue with this intelligent post written by Dave Landry Jr.
Dave, the floor is yours.
The gender wage gap is a very well-known problem that comes from an insidious web of causes. Upper management is a male-dominated profession because of centuries of oppression of women, to the extent that it is normalized in today’s society because it has been the standard for so long. Everyone just assumes a few things about their role in a company – both men and women. That’s right, even women tend to fall into the pitfalls of traditional perception, and this contributes even further to the divide between each gender’s salaries.
Especially with current events calling attention to the continued inequality between women and men, it is important we all be aware of the cold hard facts. Gender inequality is most apparent when one considers the gender wage gap because the numbers just don’t lie. They do, however, have a lot of causes that are unexpected. How women perceive themselves is as important a consideration in this data as how men, and even other women, perceive them. We are all under the spell of this normalized brand of chauvinism, because it has been around for so long that we are desensitized to it.
The wage gap has to change. However, that will only happen if people understand why it occurs to begin with. Changing people’s perception of women in the workplace begins with education into where these differences can be found. While some cases of gender inequality are blatant misogyny, it is more common that the wage gap is a matter of expectations rather than facts. Women don’t expect to be paid the same, and men don’t offer it. That’s the status quo. Why should it continue?
It shouldn’t. Here’s the ugly truth: women get paid less than four-fifths of what men are paid.
It’s an outrage and an insult that should be addressed. Only by being aware of it and applying that awareness to our lives can we upset the status quo and change the way things are now. For women everywhere, we need to make gender equality the new normal, and the wage gap is a cornerstone in that fight.
Guest Writer’s Bio
Dave Landry Jr. applies his passion for all things personal finance to helping clients save more of their hard earned money. He’s a personal finance manager, debt relief counselor, and blogger who writes about personal finance topics to help readers with money matters. Dave lives in Southern California with his wife of eight years and three wonderful children.
This is an interesting and insightful blog highlighting the vast difference in gender wages not only in the sporting industry but throughout all industries.
It is very encouraging to see that the gender pay gap can be closed. Whilst there is still a long way to go, however by setting out a clear indication of where women are lacking fairness in the workplace motivates myself and hopefully many others to try and increase these numbers.
It’s time women start changing their attitude toward themselves and believe that they are strong women who deserve fair rights.
I just didn’t know what to say when I read this, as it is a topic that angers me greatly.
We are all equal in terms of humanity, and at least certain religions and civilizations currently inhabiting the earth agree. In terms of societies that agree, wherein does the ideal break down so that women get to get paid less? Grrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!
It is an issue you and I both are passionate about changing, Resa! We women deserve equal rights. We have the right to vote now how about equal pay too? Frustrating, I agree!!
Thank you for an inspiring post
And thank YOU for taking the time to read it!
This was an interesting post. I’m saddened to see that things have not changed in the years I left college to date. It is certainly a sad state of affairs. Gender inequality is still going strong.
Yes, it’s unfortunate… hopefully with more conversations, rather than sweeping issues under the rug, progress will come xx
Good post
Appreciate it!
An eye-opening post, particularly regarding how women can sabattage their own earning power by not negotiating tighter.
Men who earn top wages don’t necessarily work more and harder than those on the lower end of the money making scale.
I appreciated that this post was written by a man. ♥️
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, including the nod toward women and negotiations, Carol! Dave is so perceptive, isn’t he?
He sure is!
Let’s hope the Millennial’s can put this one to bed!
Thumbs up!!
Such an interesting post….
What I like about your blog both highlights achievements as well as shows us how there is still a long way to go; Chris…. that´s good as showing both sides is necessary in order to improve our women condition, and most important battles are long term fights, figuratively speaking. ;)
As to Dave´s post here. I agree.
Most Inequitable situations are expressed in teh highest positions, and more generally in professional careers… But I guess that it also depends on the particular location (within the country, USA… and in some countries more than in others).
In Buenos Aires city … and province the employment situation for women in terms of access to hierarchical positions. But in other provinces particularly in the north of the country the situation is far different. They say that the port zones or strong urban nuclei are more progressive and open to the diffusion of ideas, so I guess it could be the case in this example (and that it could also apply to other geographical/cultural circumstances) :D
Thanks so much for sharing!. Love & best wishes :star:
Hi Aqui, thanks for noting that this blog isn’t just about the achievements but also highlights the work still to be done. You are beautiful for seeing that!! And great point you make about location being important to talk about in the discussion as it changes certain factors. Really great to see you xx Shining stars unite <3
Fantastic post from Dave, Christy. It seems to be the ongoing cry from pre-historic times that equality never seems to balance out for women. It was particularly saddening to see that male secretaries (a once women’s only job) also being paid more. :(
Here’s to hoping that the more conversations we have, the more positive change comes from it xx Thanks sweet friend for taking time here and appreciating Dave’s post
My pleasure Christy, and sure hoping that we’re stronger in numbers! :) xo
Unfortunately, what this doesn’t recognize is those of us in STEM, have seen our opportunities along with our salaries and benefits decline in the last 20 years. We are fortunate to find work at all. This is true of both men and women, but women have an even harder time.
Val, I have read about women in STEM and noted the low numbers in relation to men. I wonder how to encourage girls to enter that field with the declining income that you mention? PS Love seeing you xx
Thanks Christy for sharing this piece by Dave. I agree that it starts with education. We need to raise awareness about this specific issue and not be afraid of talk about it. It is so interesting to see the stat in the infographic – that around half of both genders think it is not right to discuss salary out in the open. Coming from a Chinese-Malaysian background, salary is a marker of pride – the more you earn, the more successful we seem. But in typical Chinese-Malaysian culture and really a lot of Asian cultures, it is the norm for women to stay at home and be homemakers. The less a woman earns and the less dominant she is in the workforce, the less threatening it seems and this mentality needs to change.
Hi Mabel. Regarding the discussion of salary, I have read articles on the subject of salary negotiations that explain women feel very uncomfortable doing so. I think that plays a part in the lower wage that results… How interesting to learn about the Chinese-Malaysian take on salary as a marker of success. I hope more women are encouraged to pursue their dreams, in the Asian culture and all others xx You make many great points!
Small steps so far, but a long way still to go. As Dave says, education will be the key – educate men that women are equal to them, and educate women the same!
Education, yes! Through education, more awareness can be brought to the issues. You and Dave are speaking truth, Mick
We have come a long way, but we have more to do. We live in a complex, every changing, mercurial world that depends upon life-affirming conversations like this post. Thank you Christy and Dave.
Yes! When I published Dave’s post I knew readers would find it worthy of conversations that help move the issue toward viable solutions. The world is every-changing, as you say, Rebecca, and I hope that is for the better ;) xx
Absolutely agree!
Thanks for weighing in on it!
Hi Christy. I tend to agree with this. Heaven knows I’ve been on the short end of it for nearly 40 years. It’s not just the pay gap for similar jobs. When you look at the lower level jobs, they are staffed almost exclusively by women. That’s certainly true of my government. They instituted a grade system which helped a little, but they can still find ways to give men more to entice them to the job. But staffing the lowest ranking jobs with women is so predominant that it’s disgusting. Some workgroups are all female — except for a male who is (what’s the current PC term?) mentally challenged
” even women tend to fall into the pitfalls of traditional perception” is true. We are sadly our own worst enemies… I can’t count how many times a woman has asked me “Why don’t you just get a man?”
Then there’s the resentment I get for earning a semi-decent living — because men and women alike assume there’s a man or alimony somewhere paying my bills.
Thanks for this introduction to Dave.
I apologize for hijacking your post. I’ll step down from my Julia Sugarbaker soapbox now.
Huge hugs my friend.
No apologies as I welcome the input on posts! I think your comment is one that a lot of women can relate to, Teagan. I think Dave will appreciate your take on his post. I am saddened by the experience you have had in government and that more opportunities are not being given to women in higher-ranking positions. It’s 2017 but in some ways we still seem to be so stuck in the past when it comes to gender equality. I’m fired up about it just like you! H-U-G-S!
That kind of fire is good. :) Have a wonderful Wednesday.
LOVED your What to Wear post, T!
Just curious, which should take priority? 1) Work over children & family; 2) Children and family over work or 3) both given equal priority.
It is frankly not always a choice.
No one is truly powerless. It is always a choice, it is only a matter of one’s willingness to pay the price for their choices. But rather than pay the price, it is more comforting to say they don’t have a choice.
That’s the million dollar question, really. I think women every day struggle with one!
Lindo seu Blog!!!! Segue o meu também!!! Beijos!!!