The gap in salary between men and women - AAUW study
I was watching Good Morning America this week and saw a story that was very disturbing to me. A new study titled “Behind the Pay Gap” released this week by the American Association of University Women indicated that there still is inequality in the workplace in regards to salary. Women still make less than men.
The AAUW study found that one year out of college women were making only 80% of what men were making. Ten years after graduation women were making 69% of what men were making.
Why do women make less than men? The study took into account factors that could explain the pay gap such as choice of major. Women often get their degrees in fields that pay less than those fields often dominated by men (like engineering). However, the study found that in occupations where both men and women are employed women make less in salary than men.
Another factor is parenthood. Mothers are more likely to leave the work force, take a leave of absence, or work part time than fathers. However, one year out of college many women are not yet parents, so the gender pay gap cannot be explained away at one year.
The study concluded that even when taking into account known factors, 25% of the gender pay gap is unexplained. The AAUW concludes this unexplained gender pay gap is likely due to sex discrimination.
Check out the AAUW web site for more information on their study.