Cultural and Societal attitudes toward pay

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By Vridhi Mathur.

For International Equal Pay Day 2024, Vridhi Mathur offers an insightful analysis of the cultural and societal factors shaping attitudes toward pay equity.

In the quest for gender equality, the issue of equal pay has become one of the most prominent and widely debated subjects. The persistent female wage disparity serves as a stark reminder that attaining pay fairness is not just a question of law or policy, despite legislative advances and growing awareness. The problem is intricately linked to political and cultural beliefs that have long shaped ideas about gender roles, labour, and pay.

Understanding and addressing these attitudes is essential to closing the wage gap and achieving true equality in the workplace.

The Historical Context of Gender Pay Disparities

To fully grasp the current state of equal pay, it is necessary to consider the historical context in which gender roles and societal expectations were shaped. For much of history, women were confined to domestic roles, with their labour undervalued or outright dismissed. Conversely, men were traditionally seen as the primary breadwinners, a role that conferred both economic and social power. This division of labour was not merely a reflection of societal norms, it was codified in laws and practices that relegated women to the margins of economic life.

Read this article to find out more about the legal fight for equal pay: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/09/16/the-legal-fight-for-equal-pay/

The Industrial Revolution and subsequent waves of feminism challenge these entrenched norms, increasing women’s participation in the workforce. However, the legacy of historical inequality persisted, manifesting in discriminatory practices such as lower pay for women, even when performing the same work as men. Legal requirements were not enough to eradicate the centuries-old cultural views, despite the Equal Pay Act of 1963 being passed in the United States and comparable laws of a similar nature passed in other nations were a significant step forward, the centuries-old cultural views remained entrenched despite the legal mandates.

The Influence of Gender Roles and Cultural Norms

At the heart of the pay disparity issue lies the continuousinfluence of traditional gender roles. In many cultures, this norm shapes the attitude toward work and compensation, leading to the undervaluation of jobs predominantly held by women, such as teaching, nursing, and caregiving duties. These roles are often seen as extensions of women’s natural responsibilities rather than skilled professions deserving equitable pay.

Read Josmi’s article for a detailed legal analysis of the gender pay gap in the UK: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/09/07/international-equal-pay-day-a-legal-perspective-on-the-uk/

Beyond wages, the undervaluation restricts career advancement opportunities, with women frequently steered into lower-paying or part-time roles to accommodate caregiving duties. Hiring, promotion, and compensation policies are influenced by the belief that women will prioritize their families over careers, which perpetuates the wage disparity. Despite regional variations, the gendered expectation follows a regular pattern, especially in patriarchal settings where efforts to question established norms encounter strong positions.

Media Representation and Public Perception

The media plays a vital role in shaping societal views towards gender and work but often reinforces stereotypes that perpetuate the gender wage gap. Women are commonly depicted in roles emphasising appearance or domestic duties, while men are portrayed as ambitious and successful. These public perceptions change of what constitutes proper work for each gender and the worth of their labour are shaped by these portrayals.

High-profile cases, such as the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s lawsuit for equal pay, have the power to greatly increase public support and knowledge of pay fairness. However, such cases also expose entrenched resistance to change, with some defending the existing pay structures. Public perception is further influenced by factors like education, socioeconomic status, and exposure to diverse viewpoints. Various research shows that awareness of the wage gap is higher among younger generations and those with more education, suggesting a gradual shift toward greater support for pay parity. However, this shift is neither uniform nor without resistance, as debates continue across sectors.

Read this article on the importance of tackling gender disparities in the legal profession: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/03/20/closing-the-gender-gap-addressing-issues-and-solutions-in-the-legal-community/

Resistance and the Path Forward

Resistance to equal pay often stems from beliefs about meritocracy, personal responsibility, and market dynamics. Some argue that rather than institutional discrimination, salary discrepancies are the product of individual decisions, such as working part-time or in lower-paying sectors. Although these factors play a part in the wage gap, they do not fully explain the ongoing disparities that are observed across all sectors and levels of employment.

Read this article on other possible ways to close the gender pay gap: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/04/30/addressing-the-gender-pay-gap-in-law/

Addressing the cultural and societal barriers to equal pay requires a multifaceted approach. Education and advocacy are crucial in changing views and challenging stereotypes. Initiatives that promote transparency in pay practices, encourage women to pursue higher-paying careers, and support men in taking on caregiving roles can help to shift cultural norms. Additionally, media representation must evolve to reflect a more diverse and equitable view of gender roles in the workplace.

The pursuit of equal pay is far from over, with cultural and societal attitudes presenting a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in the workplace. While legal frameworks are crucial, they must be supported by a broader cultural shift that recognises and values women’s contributions equally to men. Tackling the deep-seated beliefs that maintain pay disparities is important for shaping a future where equal pay becomes not just a legal obligation.