To think that 16% pay inequality between the sexes isn't necessarily a problem....

[Bananabread123]

.... so long as:

1. men and women are paid equivalent amounts where there is parity of responsibility, experience and competence

2. affordable childcare is available

3. men and women are equally able to take career breaks for the purpose of child rearing, and that cultural barriers inhibiting this are removed

4. there is equality of access to money and spending decisions for women in households where the man is the main breadwinner (and vice versa)

5. Barriers that prevent or dissuade women from working in high paid professions are removed.

Why do I say this?... because in my experience women, on average, tend to want to lead on child rearing, and that this is a biological tendency that exists over and above any cultural norms. Clearly it will be different for every couple, but I'm talking about norms here. Not all, but many women want to take time off after their babies. And many (not all) women embrace the flexibility of part time work when children are young. And if that being the case, they will have less experience than their male counterparts, and it follows they should expect to be paid less on average.

wow? what, seriously?
Because I've never reproduced, and never will (infertile) its reasonable that I should accept the pay difference?
I've never had a career break, maternity leave etc.
No, I would NOT expect to be paid less..whether I was fertile or not.

daniel if you are a housewife it perhaps matters little to you. It may matter to you if your husband became ill leaving you to suddenly support your family, or left you. It matters because it's about fairness, equality and justice - the pillars on which our society is built.

Would you feel it was unfair if you bought something and had to pay an extra premium, just because you are female? No? Why not?
If a female us given less money then she can't buy as much, therefore it make things more expensive.