What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “pay inequality”? Whether it is crazy feminists or an issue you personally struggle with, it is a sizable issue. Against the belief of many, sexism is not the only reason for the gender wage gap, but looking at studies and data, it may seem that way. However, you have to factor in things such as maternity leave, which can impact long-term earnings. 

Statistically, women are less likely to ask for a raise or job promotion, while men are more likely to be more ambitious. Even as women make an effort to gain higher-paying jobs, which are traditionally taken by men, there is still gender discrimination.

Women have to deal with the social pressures of domestic household standards, such as raising and caring for their children. In a 2018 survey conducted by the Center for American Progress, women were 40% more likely than men to report that they had felt the impact of childcare issues on their careers. Not only because they have to take more time off to care for their children, but because of the societal expectations placed on women. 

Psychologically, women are less likely to be risk-takers or forthright when it comes to discussing their work salary, while men are more willing to take a risk to ask for more money. This means that men, on average, make more money purely based on their ability to pursue a higher salary. 

Women agree to a normal salary while men will ask for over the normal amount. Women are not viewed as authoritative as men are, and women that are strong leaders are often seen as unladylike. 

As of 2022, the average woman makes 82 cents for every $1 men earn. This number is calculated by taking the median of a woman’s yearly salary and comparing it with a man’s. While part of this is due to the reasons listed above, it is also based on the workforce opportunities women have. 

Women are more likely to be enrolled in college than men, but the opportunities these women have are less significant than those of men. Statistically, earning a master’s degree as a woman offers fewer opportunities for job growth than it does for a man. 

At face value, statistics and surveys seem to show an issue based purely on gender discrimination. But pay inequality is an accumulation of many things, such as societal pressures, psychological aspects, and in some cases, sexism.