Gender Wage Gaps

Kryzsko Commons Ballroom

Outline: A wage gap between the males and females has been documented by US census data: Females earn $0.78 per dollar earned by males. My research focuses on the intermediate variables contributing to the wage gap, beyond the variable of gender itself. Methods: This study involves a comprehensive literature review as well as multivariate meta-analysis of published secondary data, and univariate analysis of US census data. Results: The results are at present incomplete as I am still conducting multivariate analysis. So far I can report that intermediate variables that contribute to the wage gap between males and females include race, ethnicity, maternity and paternity leave policies, and the sexual identity of individuals. Discussion: Many intermediate variables have a role producing the wage gaps between males and females in the US. These analyses can help us understand the various reasons, beyond gender itself, for these gaps in our society. Before conducting this study, I did not think that other variables could explain the wage gap between males and females, but researching these intermediate variables helps me explain why in society a wage gap still persist. These analyses can also help other students understand the multiple reasons for the economic differences between males and females in the US.