In the 21st century, it may seem like women have more rights in the workplace than ever before. However, a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office states that female managers in the United States are paid only 81 cents for every dollar earned by male managers.
According to Reuters, the wage gap between men and women has narrowed slightly as women managers were only making only 79 cents for each man's dollar in the year 2000. The median salary for female managers in 2007 was $52,000, compared to $75,000 for male managers.
Researchers have not agreed on the reasoning behind the wage gap between male and female managers, but some explanations could include levels of responsibility, years of experience or discriminatory practices. Reuters reported that Carolyn Maloney, who chairs the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, blamed the wage gap on gender stereotypes and discrimination.
In addition to female managers receiving less pay than their male counterparts, women managers are also a bit more scarce in the workforce. In 2007, women made up just 40 percent of managers and 49 percent of non-managers in the workforce.
When it comes to wages or promotions, it's illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. FindLaw states that Title VII also prohibits retaliation against an employee for opposing a discriminatory employment practice. Female managers that believe they're victims of gender discrimination at their place of work should contact a Houston employment lawyer to learn more information on filing a claim.
Related Resources:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (FindLaw)
- Find a Houston Employment Lawyer (FindLaw)
- Sex Discrimination on the Job (FindLaw)
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