Marketplace Morning Report Gender pay gap widens for second year in a row
Sep 11, 2025
The widening gender pay gap is back in focus as women's wages remain stagnant while men's earnings rise. An internal investigation at the Labor Department is scrutinizing data collection methods, raising questions about economic reporting. Meanwhile, foreclosure activity has surged by 18%, prompting concerns about the housing market. Despite this, most homeowners appear financially secure, navigating post-pandemic challenges with resilience. Insights on affordable childcare and workplace policies suggest potential solutions for balancing career and family.
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Gender Pay Gap Widens Again
- The Census Bureau finds 2024 full-time women earn just 80.9% of what full-time men earn.
- The gender pay gap widened for the second consecutive year as men's typical wages rose while women's stayed flat.
Return-To-Office And Caregiving Effects
- Multiple measures confirm a persistent, stubborn gender pay gap across hours and annual earnings.
- Factors like return-to-office policies and caregiving pressures may push mothers into lower-paying, flexible roles, widening the gap.
Probe Into BLS Data Practices
- The Labor Department Inspector General opened a probe into BLS data collection and reporting practices.
- The review follows large revisions to job-creation estimates and reduced CPI/PPI data collection tied to underfunding.