1. Early 20th Century:
- In the early 1900s, women's wages were generally much lower than men's wages for the same work.
- Women's pay was often seen as "supplementary" to the family income, assuming that their primary role was domestic.
- In the United States, the average woman earned around 50-60% of what the average man earned.
2. World War I and II:
- During both world wars, many women entered the workforce to replace men who were fighting.
- This increased the number of women in traditionally male-dominated jobs and led to some gains in women's pay.
- However, women still faced significant wage disparities and discrimination.
3. Post-War Years (1950s-1960s):
- The post-war period saw a rise in suburbanization and a decline in women's labor force participation.
- Many women returned to the domestic sphere, and those who remained in the workforce often faced limited opportunities and low pay.
- The gender pay gap widened during this period, with women earning around 35-40% of what men earned in the United States.
4. Civil Rights Movement and Equal Pay Act:
- The Civil Rights Movement and the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 in the United States marked significant turning points in the fight for gender equality in pay.
- The Equal Pay Act prohibited discrimination in pay based on sex, but wage disparities persisted despite this legislation.
5. 1970s-1980s:
- The women's movement and continued activism raised awareness about gender discrimination and led to some progress in closing the gender pay gap.
- Women began entering traditionally male-dominated fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- However, despite these gains, the gender pay gap remained significant, with women in the United States earning around 75-80% of what men earned.
6. 1990s-Present:
- In the later decades of the 20th century, the gender pay gap narrowed further, but it continued to exist.
- Factors contributing to this include occupational segregation, discrimination, lack of equal opportunities for career advancement, and the undervaluation of female-dominated occupations.
- Despite progress, the gender pay gap persists globally, with women earning less than men in most countries.
It's important to note that the gender pay gap is influenced by various factors, including education, occupation, industry, seniority, bargaining power, and societal attitudes towards gender roles. Women's pay also varies across different regions and countries.