Aimee Picchi’s article, “Shortchanged: Women Earn Less Than Half of Men’s Income,” states that the gender pay gap is possibly worse than it appears. She bases her arguments on recent analysis findings showing that women get merely 48 cents for every dollar earned by men. The figure is way below what economists always record to be a ratio of 0.8 to 1 (Picchi). According to the article, there is no notable impact on women’s progress, and female workers are less optimistic about climbing the glass ceiling. Although Picchi’s article suggests otherwise, it is apparent that there are significant changes in the labor market that promote the career progress of women.
Women earn less than men because of their biological role in families, including getting pregnant and nursing babies. Such domestic duties force them to take substantial time out of the workplace. Thus, women are likely to work for lesser hours and even have a few years of cumulative experience (Bleiweis). Moreover, most female workers are in industries that have substantially lesser pay compared to the ones with the majority of male employees. Discrimination is the other reason for the gender gap, as many companies fail to promote or offer opportunities to women
The pay gap appears to be getting better even though women are still behind men regarding the type of work and earnings. Notably, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 mandates employers not to discriminate against during remuneration. The implication is that the company owner feels obliged to offer their female employees the same opportunities. The increased emphasis on corporate social responsibilities and multiculturalism favors the employment of women in lucrative positions. Moreover, statistical evidence from the U.S Census Bureau indicates that in 2020 women had 82 for every dollar by men (U.S. Census Bureau). The findings show that there is a significant improvement. Women are taking longer to get married and start domestic responsibilities giving them ample time for career development.
Works Cited
Bleiweis, Robin. “Quick Facts About the Gender Wage Gap.” Center for American Progress, 2021.
Picchi, Aimee. “Shortchanged: Women Earn Less Than Half of Men’s Income.” CBS News – Breaking News, 24/7 Live Streaming News & Top Stories, 2018.
U.S. Census Bureau. “Women Consistently Earn Less Than Men.” Census.gov, 2022.