OneVoice: Mind the Gap
In my opinion, there are a few variables that contribute to a gender wage gap in the work force. These variables differ from state to state but I believe that they do have an impact on women’s’ income and career choices. It’s important to be aware and address that gender inequality is currently present in the work place on a state and national level. I have lived in Utah for most of my life up until two years ago. I will have to admit that I have noticed a difference in gender wage and career choice (for women in particular) here in Seattle compared to Salt Lake City. One variable that stands out to me is the cultural influence for women to marry and have children at a young age in Utah. I think that it is important to acknowledge that women may still feel the pressure to be stay at home mothers rather than purse a career. This pressure may not be as prominent as it once was, “back in the day” but there are those who believe that it is still important for a woman to have children and raise them at home. Although this may seem like a stereotype of the past, the portrayal on gender roles still has an impact on our society today. Not only in Utah but nationally our society places women in a material and care giver role more often then we may realize. Our society emphasizes the importance of women becoming mothers and wives on TV, in magazines, on social media, in adverting and so on. This in turn has a negative impact on children both girls and boys as to how they view gender roles in society.
Secondary education also has an impact on income gaps for women. Utah in particular, has a larger gap than most state from post high school education to college education. I would contribute, this educational gap in large part to the cultural difference in Utah. Some women in Utah, particularly those who members of the LDS church are expected to settle down and have a family after graduation from high school. This then puts their career goals on hold to raise a family and in some situations they do not go back to obtain further education. The educational gap between men and women in Utah is a larger contributor as to why there is a wage gap between men and women. There are a lot of layers to the gender wage gap. Some women may also worry about starting a position in the work place if they are anticipation starting a family. This creates a challenge for women who may need to take time off from their jobs for material leave but are not given the paid time off or child care resources to jump back into the work force.
Another variable contributing to gender gap the lack of promoting and providing support for working mothers to allow women to apply for jobs that meet their full potential. Government should also play a bigger role in gender gap income. I think it’s important for not only state wide but nationally to recognize and promote organization that encourage women both young and old to seek carries that empower them. As a child we are taught that men become lawyers, doctors and firefighters, while women become mothers, nurses, and waitresses. The pretrial of what men and women should be pursuing as a career choice has an effect on not only our generation but for future generations.
On a counter argument, every family household is different and there are families who take into consideration and value the importance having a household with two working parents. I was raised by two working parents who both completed a college degree (one who obtained a Master’s degree the same year I graduated from high school) and taught our family the importance of pursuing a career that we were proud of. I believe that it is important to express to our children and or future children the importance of education and following career dreams no matter what the stereotype may be. I am hopeful that the gender wedge gap will decrease with increased awareness.
— Erica Houck
(https://twitter.com/houckerica1)
(This blog post is part of our ongoing OneVoice Campaign, everyone has a voice and here at Rally Newz we encourage everyone to share their individual voice and opinion to help make change happen! The views expressed in this blog post are those of the contributor and does not represent the views of Rally Newz. If you are interested in becoming a contributor, please email us atInfo@rallynewz.com. Rally Newz provides Rally/Protest information, Issue, Candidate information and customized news, allowing you to educate yourself and get involved. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rally-newz-power-politics/id1045746803?mt=8)
