Gender Inequality

1. Gender Inequality Sociology 111 Fall 2008

2. Pay Gap One of the first things most studies look at Nationally between 71-83 cents on the dollar Since 1983 held steady Regional variations Urban areas have a smaller gap South and Midwest tend to have larger gap

3. Nationally for 2004-2006 College educated woman- median income $50,000/year College educated man- median income $66, 000/year Average is 76 cents on the dollar

4. Recession years • Women tend to be hit harder by economic recessions • Lay-offs more common • More difficult to find a job • Less benefits if unemployed b/c tend to make less than men • Women tend to benefit later than men during an economic recovery • Last hired, first fired

5. Wage distribution across US http://www.aauw.org/research/statedata/index.cfm

6. Accounting for differences College majors/degrees are linked to gender Women are more likely to choose elementary ed while men are more likely to choose engineering. Some of this difference is due to personal choice Influenced by the way we’re socialized. This accounts for about 50%.

7. The other 50%- Discrimination and the “Child Penalty” Lower paid, less prestigious positions w/little to no responsibility. Often routed into mommy track jobs whether married, single, expressed a desire for children or not. Employers often state that they haven’t hired someone or didn’t promote them because of this. Women are still primarily responsible for childcare Refers to women taking time out to care for children. Losing work experience and seniority. Gaps in employment are viewed negatively.

8. Discrimination Beginning in the mid-1990s research began to “track” recent college grads Men started an average of 11-15% higher than women with the same degree (& often same college) Follow-ups found gap usually had grown Even when women’s qualifications and resumes were better.

9. 2007 sociology study Created the “perfect” resume for various jobs. No gaps in employment, certifications/degrees, impeccable skills. One set “cued” employers that “she” was a mother. (PTA chair, etc) and the other did not. “Mom” almost never got a call while the same resume w/o the “cue” almost always got a call.

10. Currently Women earn the majority of associates’ and bachelors degrees’. Total # has increased for both. Women’s enrollment is increasing faster than men’s Especially among low-income women Led to questions about men falling behind

11. Adding race/ethnicity White women’s enrollment increasing while white men’s is “flat”. Men account for about 47% Largest gender gap between African American males and females Men about 40% though increasing Asian men and women essentially equal Both are increasing enrollment Hispanic female enrollment is increasing while male enrollment has declined Men are about 43%

12. Single sex schools in US A few recent studies have argued that boys seem to be falling behind in schools compared to girls Research also suggests that optimum learning conditions for boys and girls may differ. Raised a debate about whether single sex schools promote gender inequality or promote better learning?