Male/Female Pay Disparities Exist, But for How Much Longer?
The results of a new survey concerning pay disparities among men and women made us cringe. Based on 25 years' of information collected by the federal government, the study reveals that men who hold a traditional view of a woman’s role in society make more money than men who are egalitarian and more modern thinkers. Although we felt that the results aren't earth-shattering, we were unhappy to see how large the pay gap is. As reported in the Washington Post, "Men with traditional attitudes about gender roles earned $11,930 more a year than men with egalitarian views and $14,404 more than women with traditional attitudes." Also, women with egalitarian attitudes about the role of women in the workplace tend to earn slightly more ($1,500) than women with traditional attitudes about the role of women.
On a brighter note, the survey indicates that more and more Americans are becoming egalitarian in their perspective of the women's role in the workplace. And researchers suggest that "disparities in income might recede as egalitarian views become more prevalent."
In our opinion, no one should be rewarded for being sexist. Also, the traditional view that women should stay in the kitchen doesn't make sense in today's crumbling U.S. economy, where many families’ survival depends on the woman earning a salary.
What were your thoughts when you read the survey? Have you encountered traditional-minded attitudes about women at your job?
