Freakonomics Radio 232. A New Nobel Laureate Explains the Gender Pay Gap (Replay)
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Oct 10, 2023 Claudia Goldin, a Nobel laureate and Harvard economics professor, dives into the complexities of the gender pay gap. She reveals that the disparity isn't solely due to discrimination, exploring historical and societal factors instead. Goldin discusses how occupational choices and the need for workplace flexibility contribute to lower pay for women. She also highlights effective strategies for salary negotiation and emphasizes the need for diverse approaches to achieve gender equity in the workplace.
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Meaning of the Gender Pay Gap Statistic
- The often-cited 77-cent gender pay gap statistic compares median earnings of all full-time, full-year workers, regardless of job type or experience.
- It doesn't account for differences in jobs held or hours worked.
Discrimination's Role in the Gender Pay Gap
- Outright discrimination is difficult to prove definitively with current data.
- While a small amount of "wage discrimination" might exist, it's hard to isolate from other factors.
Competition, Bargaining, and the Pay Gap
- Differences in competitiveness or bargaining skills don't fully explain the pay gap, as starting salaries are often similar for men and women.
- The gap widens later, correlating with childbirth and career choices.