A commonly debated controversy is the inequality of pay between men and women. At the beginning of the 1980’s, the perseverance for pay equality still crowded through courts and caused civil strikes. In 1981, an American political economist named Lester. C. Thurow, took a stance on this issue and published his explanation for the income gap between the sexes with his article called Why Women Are Paid Less than Men.
In the article, Thurow acknowledges the income gap by focusing on the impact of variables such as race, education, and social norms. For instance, in the article the author highlights the differences between a man and woman’s life during the ages of 25 and 35. Thurow reasons that a woman during the ages of 25 and 35 begins to feel …show more content…
The author first proposes that if a woman wishes to compete with men in the workplace, they should have a baby before 25 or postpone having children until the age of 35. Or, Thurow suggests that society could attempt to alter the promotion acquisition system to promote the equalization of male and female earnings.
Consequently, after reading Lester Thurow’s Why Women Are Paid Less than Men, I trust its readers would agree with Lester Thurow’s explanation for the income gap between the sexes. While I believe this explanation for the income gap remains valid, the title of his article should have been Why White Women Are Paid Less than White Men.
Thurow opens his article questioning why white women from 1939 to 1979 have made slightly less than 60 percent as much as white men. Thurow proceeds to focus on minorities catching up with whites in the battle of pay equality. I believe the author’s comparison between minorities and whites was used to highlight a former flaw of society; white supremacy. During the years of 1939 and 1997, both women and minorities were making substantial progress in catching up with white males. The segregation of minorities began deteriorating and women had made significant advancement in lessening discrimination. For instance, Thurow mentions that previously in 1939, education could be held accountable for the income gap. But since no education gap between the sexes exists, that …show more content…
Why? Personally, I have theorized that if women were granted equal pay, it may disrupt our economy or could possibly wound the majority; white males. Others theorize the income gap may exist because women are most apt to leave the labor force or become part-time workers to have children, as Thurow stated. Thurow argues that if women wish to have successful careers, compete with men, and achieve the same earnings should alter their family plans and have their children either before 25 or after 35. However, compared to women, during those ages, men are inclined to remain focused on their careers rather than starting a family. I both agree and disagree with this statement. I do agree that the ages between 25 and 35 are critical. I also agree that women have historically been inclined to head child care and home duties. What I disagree with is the punishment women face because of their genetics. A woman’s body is built to carry babies and as mammals, we have instincts to reproduce. However, to be productive members of society today, you must earn an income. If the human race would like to remain a thriving species, we must recognize that reproduction is a must and to reduce women’s pay because of an inclination to leave the workforce to have children is concerning.
In my opinion, I believe Thurow is one of those concerned beings. For instance, in his article he questions the discrimination
In the article, Thurow acknowledges the income gap by focusing on the impact of variables such as race, education, and social norms. For instance, in the article the author highlights the differences between a man and woman’s life during the ages of 25 and 35. Thurow reasons that a woman during the ages of 25 and 35 begins to feel …show more content…
The author first proposes that if a woman wishes to compete with men in the workplace, they should have a baby before 25 or postpone having children until the age of 35. Or, Thurow suggests that society could attempt to alter the promotion acquisition system to promote the equalization of male and female earnings.
Consequently, after reading Lester Thurow’s Why Women Are Paid Less than Men, I trust its readers would agree with Lester Thurow’s explanation for the income gap between the sexes. While I believe this explanation for the income gap remains valid, the title of his article should have been Why White Women Are Paid Less than White Men.
Thurow opens his article questioning why white women from 1939 to 1979 have made slightly less than 60 percent as much as white men. Thurow proceeds to focus on minorities catching up with whites in the battle of pay equality. I believe the author’s comparison between minorities and whites was used to highlight a former flaw of society; white supremacy. During the years of 1939 and 1997, both women and minorities were making substantial progress in catching up with white males. The segregation of minorities began deteriorating and women had made significant advancement in lessening discrimination. For instance, Thurow mentions that previously in 1939, education could be held accountable for the income gap. But since no education gap between the sexes exists, that …show more content…
Why? Personally, I have theorized that if women were granted equal pay, it may disrupt our economy or could possibly wound the majority; white males. Others theorize the income gap may exist because women are most apt to leave the labor force or become part-time workers to have children, as Thurow stated. Thurow argues that if women wish to have successful careers, compete with men, and achieve the same earnings should alter their family plans and have their children either before 25 or after 35. However, compared to women, during those ages, men are inclined to remain focused on their careers rather than starting a family. I both agree and disagree with this statement. I do agree that the ages between 25 and 35 are critical. I also agree that women have historically been inclined to head child care and home duties. What I disagree with is the punishment women face because of their genetics. A woman’s body is built to carry babies and as mammals, we have instincts to reproduce. However, to be productive members of society today, you must earn an income. If the human race would like to remain a thriving species, we must recognize that reproduction is a must and to reduce women’s pay because of an inclination to leave the workforce to have children is concerning.
In my opinion, I believe Thurow is one of those concerned beings. For instance, in his article he questions the discrimination