Income inequality between the sexes needs to be resolved

I would love to tackle the income inequality debate on a global scale but, first, I would like to discuss the discrepancy between the sexes. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m equally disturbed by the disparity between the classes but I find it very upsetting that just a few months ago Senate Republicans actually voted against the Paycheck Fairness Act… for the third time.

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t According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women still earn approximately 77 cents for every dollar a man makes, although they outnumber men when it comes to finishing college and holding advanced degrees. With an increased number of single-parent homes and female-led households, that is problematic. Many women are the primary source of income in their families. Given the job crisis, they may be the only source of income, and that wage discrepancy not only damages their family but also has a negative effect on the economy.

t It is mind boggling to me that, for all the progress we have made, we are still so far behind. I often complain about issues of inequality between the sexes. To be fair, I even sometimes blame women for holding us back. Every time women “play dumb” or use their sexuality to get what they want, they are contributing to the problem. However, money can be a funny thing. In my experience, men love a woman who makes a lot of money… just so long as she doesn’t make a lot more than he does. Perhaps this need to keep our baseline wage lower is an attempt at maintaining that control? I’m not suggesting they are cavemen, but I do think it taps into their inherent need to feel like a provider. I know this seems very foreign to some, but don’t forget that it really was not all that long ago that women were greeting their husbands at the door with martinis at the end of a long day’s work. Many of these men were raised by parents and/or grandparents of that generation and have been influenced by that mentality whether or not it is apparent.

t The role women play is that we are less comfortable expecting and demanding what is rightfully ours. This will be an issue for as long as we allow it to continue. I knew about the vote because it is on my radar, but it was barely touched upon in the news. We should all be outraged and on the phone with our local representatives (particularly during times when we know they are up for re-election). Write to your Senators and members of Congress and let them know that we noticed. You will be amazed at how quickly they recognize you as the (voting) head of your household.

t Photo credit: MachineHeadz/iStock /360/Getty Images

t More on women’s issues:

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