Gender wage gap

Definition

The gender wage gap refers to the difference in earnings between women and men, often expressed as a percentage of men's earnings. This disparity can be attributed to various factors, including occupational segregation, discrimination, and differences in work experience and hours worked. Understanding the gender wage gap sheds light on the economic inequalities faced by women, particularly in historical contexts such as the labor landscape of the 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the 19th century, many women worked in low-paying jobs such as domestic service or textile manufacturing, which contributed to the persistent wage gap.
2. Occupational segregation was prominent during this time, with women often restricted to roles considered 'suitable' for their gender, limiting their earning potential.
3. Legal restrictions and societal norms further exacerbated the wage gap, as women were often excluded from certain professions and faced barriers to advancement.
4. The idea of a 'family wage' emerged in the 19th century, promoting the notion that men should earn enough to support their families while women’s wages were viewed as supplemental.
5. Activism for women's rights in the late 19th century began addressing economic inequalities, laying the groundwork for future movements aimed at closing the gender wage gap.

Review Questions

• How did occupational segregation in the 19th century contribute to the gender wage gap?
  • Occupational segregation played a significant role in perpetuating the gender wage gap during the 19th century. Women were often confined to lower-paying jobs that were deemed appropriate for their gender, such as domestic service or textile work. This limitation not only restricted women's opportunities for higher wages but also reinforced societal beliefs about women's roles in both work and family life, making it difficult for them to break into better-paying professions.
• In what ways did legal and societal norms in the 19th century hinder women's ability to achieve equal pay?
  • Legal and societal norms in the 19th century significantly hindered women's ability to achieve equal pay by enforcing traditional gender roles that prioritized men's work over women's. Women faced legal barriers that restricted their access to certain occupations and limited their opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, societal attitudes viewed women's employment primarily as supplemental income rather than a necessity, reinforcing lower wages and contributing to an entrenched gender wage gap.
• Evaluate how activism in the late 19th century laid the foundation for future efforts to address the gender wage gap.
  • Activism in the late 19th century was crucial in laying the groundwork for future efforts aimed at closing the gender wage gap. Women's rights activists began to highlight economic inequalities and demand equal pay for equal work, which helped raise awareness about the issue. This early advocacy set a precedent for later movements in the 20th century that continued to challenge discriminatory practices and push for legislation aimed at ensuring equitable pay across genders. The activism of this era not only addressed immediate concerns but also inspired subsequent generations to pursue broader reforms in labor rights and gender equality.

Related terms

occupational segregation: The division of jobs into different categories based on gender, often resulting in women being concentrated in lower-paying fields compared to men.

discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as gender, often impacting hiring, promotion, and salary decisions.

living wage: A wage that is high enough to maintain a normal standard of living, which often highlights disparities when comparing wages earned by different genders.