Women Make Less Than Men Because They Want To
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 by Frank RocheOkay, that’s a purposely provocative title. I don’t believe it for one second. But one of KnowHR’s commenters does. Steven R. said this in response to an article I wrote titled Women Make Less Than Men: 5 Things HR Needs to Do Right Now to End Pay Inequality:
Do some research and then come back and write something as dumb as this. Young men do make more money then young women. The stats are these for every $.92 cents a woman makes a man makes $1.
Instead of looking at the superficial level. Take a look at the actual facts. For example take a look at young doctors on average a young male doctor works 500 more hours, yes I repeat 500 more hours than young woman doctor.
Why because the fact is men work for longer hours and stay at jobs longer. So, if it starts an a young age for men and women are getting off to a slow start it’s no wonder why men make more money.
Most importantly women are happy with the money they are making. They feel like they earned that money and a majority stated they were fine with their salary. The question that needs to be asked is why is what someone makes so importnat? When it’s a fact that money does not equal happiness?
Are women happy with the money they make if it’s not fair? Should women just be happy that they’re getting paid, as Steven suggests? And isn’t it great to show, once again, that 93 percent of statistics are made up on the spot? (Where did that number come from that says male doctors work 500 more hours — per year? per week? per day? — than women doctors?)
What do you think?
mszypko
Mar 11th, 2009
Wow Frank, are you sure “Steve” is his real name? He sounds more like Ward Cleaver! Anyway, his “epiphany” reminds me of the old adage , “there are lies, damn lies and statistics”.
Some women do make less because they choose to. I submit my wife as a case in point. An Ivy college educated dentist, she makes less because she and I agreed the MOST important job was to stay home and raise our four kids. First things first!
Intentional and/or systematic discrimination is wrong.
Frank Roche
Mar 11th, 2009
@Mark, I’m not sure where this one came from…it does sound a little like Ward. “Hey honey, where’s my drink? And my slippers?”
People make career and life choices. Like your wife, my wife decided to spend more time with our sons in their teenage years by being a math tutor at the high school rather than jetting around the country as a VP of this or that. She has an MBA from one of the top schools in the country, and a master’s degree in engineering. She chose what she wanted…but I can tell you that in no way would she tolerate discrimination. Or bad statistics, for that matter!
As you say, discrimination is wrong, no matter its root cause.
Ann Bares
Mar 11th, 2009
Frank:
Although I have gone on record as not being a fan of recent pay legislation, I also think that sufficient facts have been laid on the table to show that gender pay discrimination does exist, beyond what can be explained by life and professional choices women make (to Steve’s point). The 2007 AAUW study, which I posted about in 2007 (link below) provided some data that I found to be eye opening and convincing in this regard-
http://compforce.typepad.com/compensation_force/2007/04/disturbing_news.html
Frank Roche
Mar 11th, 2009
Ann, I agree that gender pay discrimination exists…and it drives me nuts. It’s why I wrote the original article. Your article spells it out very well.
I must admit I’ve scratched my head over the years about this one…and I rail about it all the time…discrimination is unacceptable to me…I was more going against the “woman are happy to make what they make” that Steve wrote. I just don’t believe it if it’s unfair pay.
Ben E.
Mar 12th, 2009
I was hoping for a little enlightenment or at least a little brain tickle from the title, but I was subjected to the ramblings of a madman.
It took me 500 hours. Yes, 500 hours to write this comment.
I needed a laugh today. Thanks, Frank!
Frank Roche
Mar 12th, 2009
Ben, I knew you’d get a laugh out of this one…and thanks for one back…500 hours to write a comment…lol.
Joe Rice
Mar 13th, 2009
I know I am a few days behind but I find this stuff interesting. Other than one line of Steve’s response, I agree with him. Maybe not agree, but I am not convinced that pay differences equals pay discrimination just yet. I am open to the idea of explainable reasons (e.g., prevalence to negotiate, impact of maternity leave, or ability to kiss @ss) driving the numbers somewhat. If pay discrimination does exist, then I am curious if female hiring managers are just as guilty as their male counterparts it committing this injustice? Just to be clear–before I get slammed–I do believe that pay discrimination is an injustice.
Ben E.
Mar 13th, 2009
That’s what I was looking for, too, Joe. I wanted a reasoned argument to discuss, but we got a less-than-coherent ramble. I’d like to hear someone that’s in the know discuss the effects of the issues you mentioned.
Bob Driver
Sep 11th, 2009
In the second and third world, it depends on work productivity. If a male is more productive than a female he makes more money. If a female is more productive than a male she makes more money. It’s based on rational economics, because it’s so competitive for foreign hard currency. Here in the Western world the politicians have brainwashed us to believe we’re equal in productivity. Note: Politicized…..I rather things be based on economics.