When statistical "evidence" is gathered on the subject of the gender pay gap, how much of this controls for experience, education, and the number of years in employment? For a study to be reliable these factors need to be taken into account. Its frankly ludicrous to compare a 58 year old male, neurosurgeon with a 21 year old female working as an office junior. Until we start comparing like for like we'll only continue to hypothesize on this matter.

Its also worthy to note that hazardous occupations such as firefighting, roofing, construction, coal miner, soldier, sewage etc all tend to be male dominated (and as a result tend to be higher in pay). These roles are often referred to a "glass cellar" roles. Now if we are to demand equality in the workplace, surely women should then be assuming these roles also? Or is the drive solely, to get women into safe, lucrative, professional roles? Ie Lawyer, company CEO.....hmm I'd say that smacks of a little sexism... (I digress slightly, but before wailing about discrepancies in pay, consider how many males vs females have been seriously injured/died during military action...puts things into perspective a bit..)

I do agree that, women do tend to strive for greater balance in their lives in so far as career and family is concerned hence the propensity of mothers to opt for part-time work. Its also reasonable to assume that there will be a disparity in pay when you temporarily remove yourself from the work place.

"Funny how women continue to have families, but men don't."

LOL

~See that link - androgyny - says it all really.

It says act the way men will take you seriously because they call the shots.

Rather than questioning why they call the shots and how we can be women in the workplace on our own terms, rather than on the terms of those members of the workforce who have penises.

Miggsie - totally unrelated to the OP but I nicked your name and called a characterin my new book Miggsie.

I agree that traditional "womens work" is undervalued, and when we enter the areas of paid employment we also seem to be undervalued (or, we undervalue ourselves).

It seems mad that boys achieve less at school but go into the workplace and are paid more because they think they are worth more so bargain more over pay (this is the argument trotted out constantly when firms are asked to justify large pay gaps).

If we are to achieve equality we should have mothers who stay at home supported and valued and also women in the workplace paid the same.

And why why why do women of 50 and over seem to disappear from TV??????
It is as though society really can't be bothered, until they hit about 70 and are rolled out as "old dears" in various dramas.

Here's the answer!

Androgyny!!

It seems to me that there is a job that needs doing to a certain standard that is worth x amount of money to an organisation. If you meet that standard then you get paid it and it doesn't really matter how many years you've been doing it. Age discrimination cases are going to start to be brought by younger people I reckon. You can always have bonus schemes for the excellent performers.

Also, everyone should be able and encouraged to take sabbaticals every 5-10 years.

Totally agree fox (I have a SAHP and does make life much much easier). Mostly agree stillsquaffing, except that there is also discrimination in many fields against visible minorities - probably even worse if you are both a minority and a woman. Certainly in medicine it is documented that the majority of really successful/best paid surgeons etc tend to be white men. Any area where patronage plays a part has a built in prediction to raise "people like us" over everyone else.

When I got pregnant my employers treated me like I had committed some kind of crime. It is the lack of recognition and celebration of motherhood that sets women back. Not to mention the lack of recognition that we can be effective mums AND workers!
I agree that we live in a patriarchal society. it's annoying me no end.

That is v. depressing but I think you may be right.