In a specific way, why does men make more money than woman?

Answer 1

Because the underpaid employee allows it.

Consider why an employer pays a recent college graduate less than a 10 year veteran in the same position. You would likely say "due to that experience, so the veterna is WORTH more". I agree. But if the college grad believes he provides as much - and maybe due to recent training - even more value, then the employee is at fault for accept a lower compensation offer.

In other words, if any employee discovers they are being undercompensated, then they must quit that job and go to one that pays them what they are worth - for whatever reason. A woman accepting a lower salary then they are worth are hurting ALL employees.

We can complain that the local store charges more for product X until we are blue in the face, but until consumers switch to another store where lower prices are offered...the local store won't change its pricing. The same is true with employees and it hurts all of us.

So, the short answer is: because women allow it. You change this behavior by "shopping your skills to a different store".

In today's market, no one can claim their is some national collusion to discriminate against all women...so go to the company that does offer more. And if you can't find it, then you have to consider the possibility that the specific employee has over-valued their skill set.

Answer 2

Supply & Demand.

Generally, more Employers prefer to hire men than women. Less women get jobs so there are more women available in the labour market (and less men). To hire men from the limited supply, the employer has to pay more.

Why do employers prefer men ?
'It depends' - I think the single most important factor is that women have kids (and men don't). This means they spend less time at work, have more sick days and are more likley to quit after a few years etc.

In the UK the Employer has to grant 6 months Maternity Leave (of which a good portion is paid) and keep the job open (so has to take on an expensive Temp).

Where I work I know one woman who has 'worked' for less than half the time I have (she has had 2 kids in 3 years and takes every sick day she is entitled) and must have cost the company (in hiring Temps and overtime payments to cover) well over what they paid me. I'm not saying she is not entitled - I'm just looking at it from the Emplorers perspective....

Answer 3

There are equal pay laws so women doing traditonally mens work recieve the same pay as those men. Eg. Truck driving women get the same money as truck driving men. Often though women are doing work which has a lower pay rate, such as cleaning or shop attendent. Also when women take time out to have children they lose that income from their life time earnings. I personally have a better pay rate than most men but do not work as many hours to take home the same money.