Discover Top Posts Tagged with #closethewagegap

I need feminism because closing the smoking wage gap is more important that closing the wage gap between men and women.

I just saw this commercial for the first time, and I wanted to give a little cheer at the end with the lady who tells her: “Do it.” I like how the commercial conveyed the nervousness she is experiencing; I feel like I would be nervous too, but we shouldn’t have to worried when asking for equality. I thought this was an awesome way to call attention to the issue in a quick and effective way!

#closethewagegap

How much do you make?

Written by Neha Viswanath

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/24/break-the-pay-gap_n_7138820.html?ir=Business

This article focuses on the importance of discussing salaries with friends and co-workers in a conscious effort to close the wage gap. As discussed in this class several times, there is a significant wage gap between men and women, between minorities and non-minority groups, and other groups as well based on industry.

It can be quite awkward to ask someone “how much do you make?”. It seems to be quite a dreaded conversation that people are willing to avoid at all costs. People may be scared of what they are going to find out or may not want to seem like they are bragging about their salary. However, Meredith Bennett-Smith, a journalist, brings to our attention that the only way we can close the wage gap is by being honest about our salaries with others. This will hopefully create a ripple effect and make many people more knowledgeable about how much they could be making and whether or not how much they are currently making is fair. Many people wonder if they make too little, too much, or just average in comparison to what others are making and what they could be making. This is one of the main reasons that the wage gap still exists – people aren’t willing to talk about their salaries which allows employers to have complete control and take advantage of the fact that their employees don’t talk to one another.

“We – women and minorities, and men too – need to get over the antiquated hang-ups about salary secrecy and be proactive. Ask your co-workers how much they make, and tell them how much you make. This isn’t about giving yourself a leg up, it’s about creating a whole new rung on the ladder to stand on, together. When it comes to the wage gap, a rising tide is a more equitable tide.” Meredith Bennett-Smith’s quote clearly lays out the importance of talking to one another about salaries to close the wage gap. Even though the conversation could potentially be awkward, the benefits of having the conversation itself significantly outweigh the difficult conversation. Bennett-Smith suggests starting the conversation with people you went to school with because you know you have the exact same base level experience, then progressing to people who you are already close to at work. Having trusting relationships with coworkers makes the process easier and can also create even better relationships.

Will you ask someone how much they make? How do you think they would respond? Is it worth the awkward conversation to gain this knowledge?

#closethewagegap