Why does the gender wage gap still exist in today's society? Is it something women are doing wrong such as not portraying themselves in the best light? Or are hiring managers offering less to females because they believe females either deserve less or will accept less?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Hiring managers typically strive to offer a salary the employee is happy with. Women that get paid lower wages than men in their previous role are likely to be happy with a lower wage when they don't know what their male peers are making. It is perpetual until a woman has visibility into what pay looks like in their industry. Sites like this help a lot, and having a strong network that is willing to discuss pay helps a lot too. In my experience the wages that are offered up front to men are the same wages that women have to fight for and prove they are worth before achieving them. But one way to break this is for women to advocate for themselves and for other men and women to be champions for equitable pay in the workplace.

like

I have been a recruiter, a hiring manager, and an employee. My experience is that women who negotiate have to walk on eggshells otherwise they are perceived as money hungry in a negative way. It’s total bullshit

like

Many biases are there as well, especially in perception when it comes to women asking for rise vs men asking for rise. Men are easily evaluated according to their potential, while women need to prove their current value. As a consequence, men are more likely to get salary increases when they ask whereas women receive way more push back. This is proven to undermine women’s confidence overtime.

like

I read a book called Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg where she talks about women in the workplace. It’s a whole host of things but one of the things I remember is that women generally don’t negotiate as well, and even when we do we can’t come off as “too aggressive” because it’s not in our “nature”. Fuckin stupid. Great book though

like

Can’t tell if you’re joking but she’s not saying all women everywhere are bad at negotiating, she simply talks about her own experiences with it as well as experiences of people she knows, and then she goes on to discuss what we can do to change it.

My answer to the OP’s question is, the gender wage gap still exists primarily due to unconscious bias and poor comp planning practices. I don’t think every male leader whose team has a provable gender pay gap is trying to pay women less. If you work at an org without sophisticated compensation planning, it is up to each woman to provide data and offer a solution.

Follow up question: What is the legal measure of equal pay? In situations where total comp involves variable commission based upon revenue attainment, and other bonuses, is the way to measure equal pay just the salary, or is it total comp?

like

I once worked in a low-scale Manu with a Fem junior engineer who worked alongside two older male engineers that were polite professionally. But otherwise ignored her because it was a treatment plant. As it was apparently unfashioned for women to work in such a facility. A few inspectors who'd visited also looked at her oddly because she was a young female graduate and not a male. Which I determined bullshit. As she knew the nuts n bolts more then they.

Thank goodness a plant visitor from out of town, who happened to be a PhD, offered her a sequent career climb, and she was gone after a week.

There are 2 people in every negotiation, women can't totally be 100% at fault for the gap, just as men aren't. Also, women aren't a monolith... that's why there's women's equal pay days for different races, every woman doesn't get the same pay/ have the same negotiating experience -- some women are penalized more than others for self advocating and promoting during the negotiation process. Also when you negotiate your talking to a single person, but there's a process or system behind them -- no one person can ever be on equal footing in that situation. No issue is as simple as being just about the gender you're assigned at birth.

like

Maybe I’m an outlier. At an F25, I make more than my male peers. But that’s also because I have specialized tech skills. I’m also a fierce and fearless negotiator. Sometimes, it’s all about what you’re willing to accept.

like

I’m with you, VP2. I stick to a number and don’t back down, and I have walked away before when they can’t meet my expectations. I know my worth and I know what I require to be willing to change roles.
That said, I’m in a career path with consistently more demand than supply, so that helps me.

like

The same reason most men are insufferable as bosses. To keep the status quo alive…

like

I think it's systemic all these comments about not negotiating. I have negotiated the best I can and get no, men walk into crazy salaries. There is a problem.

like

I know I undervalued my skills when I first stepped back into the industry, and took a lower salary than I should have as a result. One thing that helped me understand what my skills are worth was just talking about salaries openly with trusted coworkers in similar roles and with similar experience levels. Once I realized I was underpaid with respect to what they were getting, I was much more confident about asking for an increase.

But I do agree with the poster who said that men are often hired on potential while women are often hired on proven skills. I wonder how much of that is us self eliminating ourselves from contention for roles we have SOME of the needed skills for, but not ALL. I know I've done that in the past, and it wasn't until I started stepping forward into roles I wasn't fully prepared for that my career took off...

Negotiating feels weird because it requires advocating for yourself. It is uncomfortable. Doing the research and having data to back up your assertions helps. And being willing to walk away also helps.

I’ve heard that the gender wage gap is a myth and is calculated based on sum of jobs held by women vs. the sum of jobs held by men. The gap in between the salary of men and women is called the “wage gap”. So essentially men tend to pick professions that pay higher such as STEM related fields vs women who often chose liberal arts, communication, and other lower paying professions.
A true wage gap study would be to look at earning for men in women in similar fields and positions which i don’t believe was done with the original wage gap study.

Related Posts

Fellow fish, looking for a recommendation at PwC . Saw a role I'm really interested in the EUR team at Strategy & London. I'm happy to share my CV and motivation for applying, please DM if you can help. PwC Strategy&

like

Any non-Omnicom agencies looking to hire for an ACD-Copy position that is remote or hybrid (non-pharma)?

likefunny

Salary for director position in NYC IPG mediabrands?

like
like

Alvarez & Marsal Alvarez & Marsal recruiting for ~ 100 roles in UK. Send me a DM if there is one you are interested in and want a referral

like

Interested in applying for the SAP Tax Senior role @Deloitte. Essentially have 4 years background in Tax and would like to shift to a more technology related role. Thoughts on whether Deloitte would even entertain my background?

like

Hi fishes!

I am looking to move to a data analytics/ business intelligence role from a non-tech experience.
YoE- 1.5
Btech from NITW
Skills- python, SQL, Excel, most ML packages.
Preferred location- Mumbai
Would really appreciate some leads or referrals. Thank you!

like

Anyone from Deloitte Tax west coast region office have a second to talk about the Deloitte Tax practice? I’m looking to jump from GT so I would love to talk to someone who made that jump. Please note, no one at Deloitte has referred me yet. :) I have about 3 years of experience about 1 year in the senior role.

like

Hi Fishes,
Infobeans is looking for Java developers having 3+ years of experience and for Pune/Indore/Chennai/Vadodara. DM me for referral. Note: It’s a working from office role.

like

Hey folks,
Greetings,

I looking for job change, having 2.6 years of experience.
Interested in Front End Developer and JavaScript Developer.
Skillset:- HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Please refer me and support me if any job openings suits my skillset in your organization.

Thanks in Advance

like
like

Can anyone offer advice , possible job openings for an individual that is in the last semester of earning certification after student teaching hours are acquired? This individual has been working/ cos chi big in the school system for over 12 years… experience with autistic students , middle school , students spending time in the alternative setting… pending masters degree in secondary education… coursework completed (with exception of student teaching)… also enrolled in an alt/cert. master

like

Looking for a level-headed boss with integrity who leads with compassion.

If anyone who meets that description is hiring, I’d love to have a conversation and see if i can add value to your team. I have a decade of experience in general marketing/product marketing, especially strategy and content creation. Mostly b2b enterprise software.

like

Ladies summer is approaching and that means it’s time for a comp thread! What is your base compensation, years of experience and education level? We have to stay competitive!!!

likeuplifting

I applied for a position at a creative agency via LinkedIn. I'm not excited about agency work but job hunting hasn't been going well and I applied anyway. They reached out and would like to interview. But when I went to look over the job details again, I found their listing on ZipCruiter gives a pay range, which at their high end is $20k less than my minimum salary reqs. Should I still interview with them? If not, how can I politely reply and decline the interview?

like

Hello, I’m currently looking for a non clinical position in the Charlotte area, more in the public health field. Does anyone have any referrals or info on any jobs?

Do we have any openings for UI path

like

Hello,

I am a technical specialist looking to transition to tech recruiting. Can anyone help me find a remote position? I keep applying but I keep getting rejected. I am a recent grad with a communications degree, I have recruiting and tech background, I am also bilingual in Spanish and English. Can someone please help me. Looking for a salary $80k+

like

Is it generally unwise to switch companies within a year? I just relocated back to hometown and started a new job 6 months ago but I want to relocate again to Atlanta when my lease is up in 6 months. I don’t have much problem with my current role except wanting more money and to relocate. Unsure if it’s worth it to move and get more money or if it’ll be a bad look on my part. Any advice welcomed.

like

More Posts

Just can’t stop crying and shaking. I don’t even know why anymore. Any tips?

like

Hey mate,

What would be the ideal CTC for 1+ year experience as Oracle Financial functional consultant?

Thanks in advance

Made it to Delta Silver 🤟

funnylike

Yale SOM (no $) or Johnson with a full ride? Goal is consulting (not MBB or bust but MBB is the target) in New York City. Will have to take out nearly full tuition loan for Yale. Concerned about Johnson’s strength in consulting placement even for T2; seems to have mixed reviews. Could also reapply this fall and add Tuck and Kellogg to the mix but unsure if it’s worth the risk as this fall may be very competitive.

like

Thinking of moving to pwc, what is the wealth builder? Like why dont they just use a traditional 401k? What are important facts about it?

like

IQVIA folks, Is Principal a Partner? Or Do you also have a Partner title? This is for the consulting arm or practice. What is the difference between Assoc Principal and Principal?

like

For a career in Ar/vr/ interaction design what’re the pros/cons and which one would you go with?
1. MFA Interaction Design @SVA
2. MFA Media Design Practices @Art Center
3. MFA Design & Technology @Parsons

like

Can you make it to partner without a car or not knowing how to drive? The partner I work with says she almost always take the Uber nowadays so she can make calls or work while travelling.

I’m new to bonds so apologies if the question seems basic.
I’d like to buy a bond etf through a brokerage account and would like to know how does the dividend and dividend yield work exactly.
For BND, the dividend is 0.15 and the yield is 2.2%. Does it mean that for every BND I purchase I will receive 0.15 USD on a yearly basis?
And are these dividends distributed yearly from the date the bond etf is purchased? Or are they pro-rated somehow? Also do the dividends fluctuate with bons etf price?

likehelpful

Counting blessings always helps put things in perspective!

Post Photo
like

Does anyone else feel terrified and attacked when MJ preaches about being about “peace and harmony”?

likefunny

Did anyone else read that Elon Musk brought a sink into Twitter's headquarters and telling them to "let that sink in"? Interesting...

like

How much does the Peleton bike differ from off-brand competitors? Outside of more performance stats, what else do you miss when using peleton app workouts on other bikes?

like

Looking to learn Webflow, as Adobe Muse has been discontinued. Anyone using Webflow that likes it? 👍🏼👎🏼?

I get pissed when I see my teammates’ nice homes, and I live in a dinky place that’s falling apart. I know I make the least amount but am their age due to a late-life career change. Resentment‘s gross

like

HI All,
I have completed my notice period.
I have been selected in morgan stanley
As a part of process it requires 2-3 weeks of time period for background verification.
If someone has gone through this process then please help me
a)How much time will it take for background verification?
b)Its it wise decision to wait till that time

like

Hi. Asking around- does anyone know of any good programs or facilities for suicidal ideation/severe depression? This is for my sister. (We are in NYC). Psych hospital stint didn’t help. Thanks.

like

I had my PHR back in early 2000, then made a career change to a paramedic (I know, right). I called SHRM and they said I'm eligible to test again even though I only currently have 1.5 yrs of HR.

I purchased the online study guide and it seems that HR has gone in a completely different direction - more operations related than employee relations etc.

Did anyone find this online training to be helpful? I test in July, so any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks - lauren

like

If anyone needs a referral link for a chase credit cards please DM me!

like

Additional Posts in Women in Tech

Would anyone be able to provide a referral and/or provide insight for a Google Project Manager role? I just know this role would be perfect/a dream (based on the description) and I’m hustling looking for my way in to Google. Would appreciate any help so much!

like

I don’t need to be recognized for my work. You can either give me props or you don’t have to. But recognizing someone else for my work sets me on fire🔥. Is there a term for this? I need tools to help me calm down in these situations. I have the same reaction for other people and their work.

like

I got an offer that’s above what I expected as a SWE II living in NJ. Do I still negotiate? Or simply sign the offer letter? I know that companies usually offer below their target budget. So, What should be done in situations like this?

like

Is there anyone here who's part of the Women of Mozilla group? Or even someone who works in Mozilla?

like

Hello! Looking for book recommendations for how to manage people well. I’m starting my first job soon with direct reports and I want to be a good manager because I know how bad it can be to have a bad one. I really liked Radical Candor, so looking for recommendations from other managers for books that have really stuck with you and helped. I know it’s a hard skill to learn from a book, but better than nothing. Thanks!!

like

Cont'd

I was hired to work at Pluralsight and started as an Entry level GTM Analyst in December. As an entry level hire, the company made promises to train and coach me which made me feel supported and great about my new job. One week into my new role, my direct boss who was supposed to be my coach and mentor quit, and there was an additional change in leadership. The event of my boss quitting, and the change in leadership led to a change in direction within the org.

like

How to politely decline unsolicited advice? A colleague of the same pay grade as me is leading a task and I am helping him with it. He keeps giving me unsolicited suggestions and feedback in shared chat, and he blamed me for something in a group call. I am scared that this is making me look bad in front of others when I am doing all the work assigned the best I can. How do I let him know I don’t want his advice? Is it okay if I ignore his advice or will it come off as rude?

like

I am a woman Business Analyst. How can you respond when a solution architect is throwing you under the bus and wants you to do his job deflecting things back at you of things you ask or you identify are needed? (He is an Indian man) example: look into databases and queries to define solution, provide to be workflows, identify back end data points, reverse engineer an excel spreadsheet with formulas, queries and macros so he can create the solution.

like

I want to get real. I’m mentally exhausted. My heart is beating out of my chest with anxiety. I’m losing my passion for practically everything. Ladies how is it, day after day, we get a bit stronger and overcome? I think we all deserve a freaking applause at this point. T.G.I.F.

likeuplifting

Non work related question ladies - how many of you go to a PCP and are honest with them?

Any reasons why you strongly like or dislike them?

like

Hey Ladies!

Wanted to drop in and ask if anyone is burnout from work and wants support?
I used to be the VP at Grow Team and I left to start my own company serving women in corporate. Just wanted to let everyone know in case one of you is burnt out & ready to get out of survival mode ⚡️⚡️
Xo

like

Any advice for someone trying to break into experience design from senior designers?
Is a couple solo projects enough on your portfolio to get your first job if you have no prior experience? What's your favorite thing about your job and how long have you been doing it?

like

I have been applying for jobs for exactly one month, prolly sending over 15 applications a day, with or without referrals, not a single lead, not a single interview, not a single follow-up from any recruiter. My profile is prolly not as competitive as I thought it was, given that I moved from a foreign country to the US, but I do have some good experience and I graduated from the one of the best unis in the US. What am I doing wrong? Help!

like

I’ve always gotten the advice that when you want to switch jobs you should take interviews from places you’re not actually interested in, so you can understand your value in the market and have better negotiating power.

I’m doing that rn - took a couple interviews to gauge my skills, my market value, and see what I need to work on for interviews that I actually care about.

However, I feel really guilty about wasting their time and going all the way knowing I’ll just say no at the end. Wwyd?

like

Started a new project working in the ultimate “boys club,” and I have less than a year of consulting experience. Any advice to gain credibility?

like

What to wear to biotech job? I am starting at a biotech company and the attire is ‘business casual’, which can be so variable for women. What do people wear for shoes, heels, flats? Are sneakers a total no go? Slacks and a blazer? Dress? Helppppp

like

I’m looking for a referral or gain insights into a role at Google, Supportability Program Manager position. I have 2 yrs of work experience building sales Ops pipeline and running startup program! Thank you so much!

like

Does anyone have experience interviewing with Playstation for a non-developer, non software engineer role? I’m in the final stages of a Product Management aligned role and I am trying to best prepare myself. The recruiter has been really great, informative, and supportive so far.

like

Pls forgive me if this is inappropriate to ask - How can we find out if we are at the peak of fertility or slowing down? Who do we talk to? How do we bring up this conversation? Is this a service covered by insurance? I'm not trying to start a family yet but would like to get an idea of where my body is at before making a decision. Is that the right step?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal