‘Gender pay gap doesn’t exist, women choose lower paying jobs’: Debunking the Myth of Job Choice

In today’s world, discussions about gender equality and the gender pay gap continue to be significant topics. It is often argued that the gender pay gap is a result of women’s choices to pursue lower-paying professions.

But is this really the case?

A recent video which earned a total of 250k views has provided insight into the flaws in this argument, providing evidence that challenges the notion of job choice as the sole reason behind the pay gap.

Challenging Misconceptions on the Gender Pay Gap

The video featuring Katie Jgln, confronts the widely held misconception that women earn less due to their preference for lower-paying jobs.

Starting with a bold statement:

“The gender pay gap doesn’t exist. Women just choose lower-paying jobs.”

While acknowledging that certain professions, such as teaching or nursing, are typically associated with lower salaries in today’s context, the speaker provides a compelling historical perspective.

She presented historical evidence to challenge the notion that women’s job choices are the sole reason for the wage disparity. Prior to women being allowed to pursue jobs that required qualifications, these positions were predominantly occupied by men.

For instance, nursing was an exclusively male profession. However, as women began entering these fields, the wages gradually declined. This observation aligns with the findings of a comprehensive study conducted by Paula England, considered the largest study on the topic to date.

“In some professions, wages declined as much as 57 percentage points when they went from being predominantly male to female.”

The study reveals a significant trend of wage decreased when male-dominated fields transitioned to become female-dominated. Astonishingly, in some professions, wages declined by as much as 57 percentage points during this transition.

These findings lend further support to the video’s argument, highlighting the systemic nature of the gender pay gap and how it is not merely a result of women’s job choices.

Through historical context and the support of reputable research, the TikTok video effectively challenges the misconception that women voluntarily choose lower-paying jobs, urging viewers to reevaluate their understanding of the gender pay gap.

The Devaluation of Female-Dominated Professions

Furthermore, the video adeptly encapsulates the essence of the issue at hand, conveying a powerful message with the statement:

“In some others, they declined by 34 or 21. So no, women don’t choose lower-paying jobs. Jobs become lower paid when women take over a previously male-dominated field.”

This impactful quote serves to underscore that job choice alone is not the main determinant of the gender pay gap. It highlights that the decline in wages is a direct result of the devaluation experienced when women enter professions that were previously dominated by men.

It effectively showcases the tangible impact that the transition from male to female dominance has on wages. The mention of declines of 34% or 21% in certain fields reinforces the notion that women’s entry into these professions leads to a significant reduction in pay.

Public’ Reactions

The video has sparked a wave of discussions among viewers, with many offering their perspectives on the topic.

One user commented: “It’s astonishing how the value of work can diminish when women enter the picture. It’s a clear reflection of gender bias and discrimination within our society.”

This sentiment resonates with the argument put forth in the video and underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the gender pay gap.

Another viewer shared their personal experience, stating:“I chose a traditionally male-dominated profession, and while I am highly skilled and qualified, I still earn significantly less than my male colleagues. It’s disheartening to see my work undervalued purely because I’m a woman.”

This firsthand account further illustrates the real-life implications of the gender pay gap and highlights the urgency for change.

Another user remarked, “My boss admitted my field of work used to be paid really well until we became a women-led field. Then they felt they didn’t need to pay as well.”

Read Next:

Many professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring our daily lives run smoothly. These unsung heroes play pivotal roles in shaping our world.

However, a closer look reveals a disheartening truth: many of these jobs are underpaid despite their significant impact. Here are twelve jobs that shed light on their importance and the challenges they face.

But the story doesn’t end there.

• View: Unsung Heroes: 12 Jobs That Deserve More Recognition & Pay

Sources

This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter.

TikTok video:

@katiejgln #patriarchy #genderpaygap #genderpay #equality #feminism #femaleempowerment ♬ original sound – Katie Jgln