|
As a female professional with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, I was dismayed by a report released last week about how women with college degrees earn far less than men with college degrees.
This wage gap is nothing new. Women have made somewhere around 70% of what men make for the last few years. Thinking that a college education would certainly lessen that gap, we find ourselves sadly mistaken.
This new report, “Behind the Pay Gap,” comes from the education foundation of the American Association of University Women, an advocate for equity and education for women and girls.
The report notes that after one year out of college, women working full-time earn less than their male colleagues (80%)—even when they are working in the same field. Ten years after graduation, the pay gap widens to 69%.
This statement from the AAUW news release: “Even after controlling for hours, occupation, parenthood, and other factors known to affect earnings, the research indicates that one-quarter of the pay gap remains unexplained and is likely due to sex discrimination. Over time, the unexplained portion of the pay gap grows.
“The research also shows that 10 years after graduation, college-educated men working full time have more authority in the workplace than do their female counterparts. Men are more likely to be involved in hiring and firing, supervising others and setting pay.”
And the news is even worse for us women living in South Carolina. Our state ranks 47th in the earnings gap (68%). The median annual earnings of men with a college degree or more (2003-2005) is $54,420; for women, it’s $37,272.
Granted, some of our personal choices will play a role here. Career field certainly widens that gap. I studied journalism fully aware I was not on the path to making any list of wealthiest Americans (unless I owned the media company, of course). I accept the fact I’m in a lower-paying career field, but I also expect to be paid the same as my male co-workers.
Parenthood is another factor. Women are usually the ones who take time off or go part-time after having children. Men, on the hand, tend to work more and may often be given raises and promotions because they have families to care for.
So, what’s a working woman to do? The AAUW offers some suggestions in its report for lessening the wage gap. First and foremost is recognizing a wage gap exists and not just accepting lower pay because “that’s just life.”
Other suggestions:
1. Promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in ways that appeal to girls and women.
2. Encourage girls to take advanced courses in mathematics.
3. Encourage women to negotiate for better quality jobs and pay.
4. Encourage employers to offer high-quality part-time employment opportunities.
5. Rethink using hours as the measure of productivity.
6. Protect and extend the Family and Medical Leave Act.
7. Increase women’s employment options by supporting high-quality child care in conjunction with other family-friendly policies.
8. End gender discrimination (individuals must take action at work; leaders in the workplace must embrace change; the public sector should be a model employer; and national legislation must be strengthened).
I would be interested to hear your ideas about how changes can be made in South Carolina. What can be done to shrink the wage gap and eliminate gender discrimination?
Holly Fisher
Electronic Media Editor
| Comments () >> |
 |
|
Community 
