Awareness and advocacy are important when recognizing the struggles women face in the workplace.
Equality for women has come a long way, but according to a recent study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce titled “The College Payoff,” women haven’t come far enough.
The study reveals that women are earning less than their male counterparts even with an advanced degree. Women earn 25 percent less than men throughout their lifetime.
Dr. Siobhan King, a women’s studies professor and undergraduate advisor, told The Temple News [Amy Stansbury “Cracking the Glass Ceiling” Page 7] that there are many factors leading to unequal pay.
“Part of it is the educational system, in which women are socialized into the ‘feeling industry,’ which includes jobs such as preschool teachers and social workers. And these jobs of course, tend not to be as profitable as those in which men are socialized into,” King said. “[The need for feminism in the workplace is not over yet.]”
As more and more women continue to graduate with advanced degrees, they must be aware of the challenges they face when entering the workforce. According to Lois P. Frankel, author of “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office 101,” this may mean “adopting and modifying more stereotypically masculine behaviors,” depending on what field they choose, especially if it is male dominated.
The key to solving this problem is not to become complacent. Until the glass ceiling is shattered, women must become aggressive to earn what they deserve. Now more than ever it is important to be aware of the social aspects that hold women back from higher paying, male-dominated jobs.
The Temple News always supports underrepresented populations, whether it be taking a stance for GLBT rights or addressing workplace violence, as we have in the past.
Awareness and advocacy is the key to solving inequalities that women face. To know that they exist is the first step to breaking them down through advocacy. Students should not hesitate to voice their opinions on topics they feel passionate about, and should reach out to resources to gather support.
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