Gender pay gap

Gender pay gap is the average difference between the remuneration for men and women who are working. Women are generally paid less than men. There are two distinct numbers regarding the pay gap: unadjusted versus adjusted pay gap. The latter takes into account differences in hours worked, occupations chosen, education and job experience. For the same work, pay gaps are less common. In some cases, women are paid more than men for the same job, due to the Equal Pay Act of 1963.

Causes

The causes of the gender pay gap are various and complex. They include both individual and societal factors, such as educational choices, work experience, occupation, industry, and region. Other factors include discrimination, gender stereotypes, and societal expectations.

Education

Education is a significant factor in the gender pay gap. Women tend to be overrepresented in fields that pay less, such as education and social work, while men are more likely to be in higher-paying fields such as engineering and computer science.

Discrimination

Discrimination is another factor contributing to the gender pay gap. This can take the form of direct discrimination, where women are paid less than men for the same work, or indirect discrimination, where women are disadvantaged by policies or practices that appear neutral but have a discriminatory effect.

Societal Expectations

Societal expectations and gender roles also play a role in the gender pay gap. Women are often expected to take on a larger share of domestic work and childcare, which can limit their career progression and earning potential.

Effects

The gender pay gap has significant effects on women's economic security and wellbeing. It contributes to women's lower lifetime earnings, lower pensions, and higher risk of poverty in old age. It also has wider societal effects, including on children's wellbeing and economic growth.

Solutions

Solutions to the gender pay gap include promoting equal pay for equal work, addressing occupational segregation, improving work-life balance, and tackling discrimination and gender stereotypes.

See also

• Equal Pay Act of 1963
• Discrimination
• Gender roles