Want to earn 17.8% less? Be a Woman!
I recently viewed a wonderful infographic full of not-so-wonderful data: “Equal Education, Unequal Pay” from the good folks at “Learnstuff.” This infographic depicts numerous data points which highlight, regrettably, the disparity between men and women wages. The real eye-opener to me was, regardless of the level of education obtained, men always earn more than the woman of equal skill-set. In fact, according to this infographic, the difference is 17.8% less for a woman.
I have a problem with this. Do you?
Let’s take a look at the infographic and see if you agree, disagree or don’t care.
I think you will not only care, but you will take steps to ensure that the next time you are making a hiring decision you will not dwell on the gender of the applicant, but rather on the qualifications of the candidate.
And this my friends, is all anyone is asking of our society – let’s be fair, level and get the best person for the job, at the pay the job requires.
Infographic – Equal Education, Unequal Pay
The gap is closing and I believe over time will become a non-issue. Remember that the gap emanates from a social contract which exists between employee and employer. Men have classically been the wage-earners in the family, women raising children. For the employer in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s women worked until they unilaterally decided to start a family. The employer was at a loss for any training and investment they may have made.
Certainly this has changed today, because the social contract has eroded between employer and employee, whether male or female. Employment is at will for either party and therefore the parties do not have the loyalty they once had.
Mika – thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I agree with your observation that eventually the issue will be obviated through evolution (let’s hurry that up)
I don’t entirely agree with your last two sentences, as I have been the “employer” and in invest in the individual, my experience has been that investing in your colleagues, treating them with understanding and respect, and giving them the opportunity to grow creates the longterm loyalty – I encourage growth and expansion, even if that means I help them find an opportunity that isn’t with me – these individuals are life-long loyal contacts, as they as do I realize they the individual is the most important ingredient.
Again, my sincere thanks for taking the time to visit, read and comment.
—
Christopher
— as always, your mileage may vary 🙂