According to an analysis by the Pew Research Center and a report by the National Women's Law Center, women were earning approximately $0.83-$0.84 for every $1.00 compared with their male counterparts in 2020. Accordingly, women would need to work an additional 42 days to receive compensation for earnings by men during that year. Moreover, these gaps also exist with respect to race inequalities. For example, Black and Latina women who are working full-time were reported to earn approximately $0.64 and $0.57, respectively, for every $1.00 compared with their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts. Striking, isn't it?
The gender pay gap also affects physicians. A 2021 Medscape survey found that male physicians earn 35% more than female physicians. The biggest gap seems to be between male and female specialists, with men earning $376,000 and women $283,000.
Gender Inequality and COVID-19
In addition to workplace responsibilities, women are also more likely to take on unpaid positions in the informal care economy — examples of these tasks include cleaning, grocery shopping, and childcare. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the burden of unpaid care work among women, which often incurs a significant impact on their participation in the paid economy.
A studyin the United States evaluating the impact of gender inequality during COVID-19 suggested that the rise in unemployment among women during this time may be related to decreased occupational flexibility.
