Despite advancements in gender equality, income inequality remains a prominent issue in the United States. In comparison to other countries, the United States ranks poorly in terms of income equality. According to a study comparing earning differences across ten democracies, America has the highest concentration of low wages at the bottom, resulting in a significant gap between individuals with higher education and the middle class (Wilensky 163).
It is unfair that women earn less than men for performing the same work within the United States. Unfortunately, women only earn 79 cents for every dollar earned by men, and some even earn less (Worell 5). In today's challenging economic climate, any disparity in wages and salaries is unacceptable.
It is crucial to prioritize gender pay equality for the betterment of families. Society must acknowledge and rectify current practices that lead t
...o wage discrepancies based on gender. When women receive fair compensation, they will experience a sense of worth and respect, resulting in an improved quality of life for themselves and their dependents. While higher education typically leads to higher incomes for both genders, it has not effectively addressed the gender pay gap.
Despite the argument that education for women in America may contribute to the gender wage gap, educated women still do not receive better pay. Opponents claim that men and women differ in college majors, with men outnumbering women in lucrative fields. However, this overlooks the fact that women in the United States are the most educated and empowered individuals globally, deserving fair compensation. Moreover, income inequality persists in all occupations, including those where women outnumber men. For example, female registered nurses earned over 10% less than thei
male counterparts in 2007, despite comprising 90% of the workforce (Department of Professional Employee 2). Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the number of degrees earned by women compared to men; law schools saw a 44% rise in female attendance between 1963 and 2008.
Despite the encouragement for young women to excel academically and pursue higher education, gender disparity in higher education still results in lower income for women. The wage gap leads to a median wage loss of about $434,000 over 40 years of full-time work (Government Printing Office 1668). If women were paid fairly compared to men, it would positively impact American families' prosperity. Research shows that fair pay would increase the overall income of many families and ultimately decrease poverty levels. Despite notable advancements towards economic equality, income disparities between men and women persist and are widening in the United States.
The financial consequences of gender pay inequality for women are considerable, as wage disparities lead to significant financial discrepancies. The disparity between men's and women's earnings at different educational levels and the widening wage gap with higher education cannot be justified by the importance placed on achievement and talent in the American workforce. Lindsey (339) highlights that this discrepancy is especially pronounced among highly educated individuals, where women holding advanced degrees and high-paying jobs earn more than $2 million less than their male counterparts in comparable positions. This wage gap starts early in life and worsens as women age, impacting their retirement finances.
The gender pay gap is a significant factor in the high poverty rates among women in their later years. Women generally have much less wealth than men, with
male wealth exceeding female wealth by over three-fourths. This disparity in wealth has had a major impact on women's economic stability, making them more likely to live below or at the poverty line. Additionally, being parents has also affected women's ability to be treated fairly in the American economy. Therefore, it is crucial to advocate for closing the gender pay gap and addressing its effects on women's lives to achieve economic equality, ensure a fair workplace, and maintain a stable economy.
Although women have not asked for flexible hours, they have historically and continue to be paid less than men, resulting in wage disparity. This pay gap is apparent even when women have parental responsibilities, which limits their ability to work as many hours as men. Despite earning lower wages, women are recognized for their significant impact on the economy due to their tendency to spend more money compared to men. A study conducted by a women's consumer advocacy group reveals that American women collectively spend over $4 trillion annually, making up approximately 83% of the nation's total spending. If equal pay were implemented in the United States, it would lead to a substantial increase in wealth for these families.
It is essential to ensure equal pay for both men and women, especially when their jobs require the same level of effort, skill, and responsibility. However, despite the existence of regulations such as the 1963 Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act which prohibit gender-based discrimination, these rules only apply if males and females hold the same job classification (Van and Schaffner 93). Furthermore, employers frequently disregard these laws, as evidenced by
the large number of complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in recent years. In 2006 alone, there were over 800 complaints regarding wage discrimination, while in 2009 this number rose to more than 900 complaints indicating employers' violation of equal pay legislation (Goodman-Delahunty and Foote 14).
Despite the presence of laws that mandate equal pay, the gender wage gap persists, indicating a deeper underlying cause for disparities in earnings between men and women. While some argue that this gap is a result of individuals specializing in different job descriptions, it is crucial to acknowledge that the wage gap not only stems from men and women in similar occupations receiving unequal payment but also from gender-based segregation within the labor force.
Thanks to the efforts of previous generations of women advocates, there has been a reduction in the gender pay gap from 61 cents to 77 cents between 1963 and today. However, despite this progress, 77% is still an insufficient figure. It is imperative for women to receive equal compensation for performing equivalent work, amounting to one dollar for every task undertaken. Underpaying women is illegal, so they must be vigilant about any instances of underpayment and address their concerns accordingly.
With 41% of women serving as the primary earners for their families and 83% contributing to the overall gross national product, it is justified that they should receive equal pay. This is not only because they deserve it, but also because they are making a positive impact on the nation's economy.
Conclusion
Although some argue that women choose lower-paying careers, resulting in gender wage inequality, highly accomplished women still face this problem. It is not enough for women
to earn only 77 cents compared to men; their wages must be equal. The argument persists that women in the United States are underpaid and deserve fair compensation equivalent to men. This would benefit not just women and their families, but also the overall American economy since women have been recognized as significant consumers. Furthermore, with more women now earning degrees than men, underpaying them would demonstrate a lack of fairness towards their hard work and accomplishments.
Work Cited
- Department Of Professional Employee,. Professional Women: Vital Statistics. First edition. 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2016. Retrieved from http://www.wowonline.org/ourprograms/women_work/documents/Professionalwomen2008v2.pdf
- Goodman-Delahunty, Jane, and William E. Foote. Evaluation for Workplace Discrimination and Harassment. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print.
- Government Printing Office . Congressional Record: Senate: Vol.
155, Pt. 2
The text lists several print sources, including:
- Schaffner. Work in America: An Encyclopedia of History, Policy, and Society. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2003. Print.
- Wilensky, Harold L. American Political Economy in Global Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Print.
- Worell, Judith. Handbook of Girls' and Women's Psychological Health.
New York u.a.: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print.
