How long has it been since you thought about whether or not women are paid equally to men? I am sorry to say that it's been too long for me. I was a rather militant feminist in my college days. I've lost the fire in my belly.
But here's the simple fact. In 1970 - women were paid on average 59 cents to every dollar men were paid for equivalent work. In 2011 - what do you think that number is? Have we made it up to some equal number?
The answer is 77 cents. We've gained just 18 cents in 41 years. In 1970, a gallon of gas cost 36 cents. A new house cost $26,500 in 1970. Minimum wage was $1.60. We've seen exponential rises in the cost of so many things, but in a world where we would like to think we've achieved progress toward gender equality, we've just barely inched forward. We moved from making a handful over half to slightly more than three quarters of a man's wage.
I didn't take the mommy track. I have been employed full time since 1983. I've achieved a graduate degree while being pregnant, supporting a household and working full time. Don't get me wrong, I do just fine, salary wise. But I wonder how my salary compares to the men I work with in similar positions.
How much does this matter to you?? Is this even relevant in today's world? Is feminism worth saving. ~Donna