The Gender Pay Gap

Women continue to be paid less than men in the United States despite decades-long efforts to close the gap. Moreover, the gap — women currently earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man — persists across many industries, from Hollywood studios to nursing. But economists disagree about the scope and causes of the disparity. Some say the source is not discrimination but rather the fact that women tend to take jobs and follow career paths that pay less than the jobs men typically hold. Others disagree, noting that even female engineers often make less than their male counterparts. Several Democratic presidential candidates have offered proposals to help close the pay gap, including one that would require companies to certify that men and women are paid equally. The U.S. House has passed the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would, among other things, require companies to demonstrate that salary differences are based on education or years of experience rather than gender bias.