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Win Some, Lose Some
By MP Dunleavey Monday March 08, 2010
Today is International Women's Day today—in case you forgot. It sounds like one of those faux holidays recognized only by the U.N. and feisty women's groups. That's partly true, but there are a number of reasons to take note of the recent accolades—and ongoing challenges—facing women today.
- And the winner is... Kathryn Bigelow, as the first woman to be named Best Director at the Academy Awards last night (her film "Hurt Locker" also won Best Picture).
You'll be hearing about Bigelow's triumph in testosterone-driven Hollywood for weeks. But as girls, let's just savor one delicious, vicarious thrill: Bigelow beat out James Cameron—her ex-husband.
Hah. - In the "two steps back" category, however... New studies document the financial hurdles facing working women with kids.
Working moms earn nearly a third (31.9%) less than working fathers, according to "Decisions for Work," a study released today by researchers in London on behalf of the International Trade Union Federation.
This on top of a similar study co-authored by Stanford sociologist Shelley Correll last year called, "Getting a Job: Is There a Motherhood Penalty?"—which found, why yes, moms are typically paid less than men with kids and less than women who have no kids.
You win some, you lose some—and you keep reading DailyWorth so that professional and financial parity is something we'll all celebrate when we're relaxing on our fat, well-invested nest eggs in a few years.
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Written by C, March 08, 2010
In the Cornell study cited, it says when they had same-gender applicants who are equally qualified, the mothers were penalized on perceived competence and starting salary. If they were following the rules for hiring practices (in real life), how would they know if an applicant was a mother unless the applicant disclosed it? So I'm thinking that one way women can combat this is to control information they are not required to disclose, so they can get hired based on their skills and ability to do the job, rather than their family situation.
If, in the study, the applicants did not disclose their parental status, could the discrepancy be based in part on salary history due to employment gaps? You could have two equally qualified women (same education, same skills, same number of years doing a job with similar responsibilities, etc.) but if one had worked those years earlier and then had taken a break to have kids, her ending salary might be lower than a woman who has the same number of years of experience, but started later with higher pay. Does that make sense? So part of the way for moms to combat this is to become skilled at salary negotiation and knowing what kind of salary to expect or ask for. Just because the salary is more than what you used to make doesn't mean that's what the job is worth or that it's the most the company can pay.
Just trying to figure out what are the ways that individual women can work at changing the situation right now on a personal level. Figuring out how to change a societal problem on a global scale can be a little overwhelming.
If, in the study, the applicants did not disclose their parental status, could the discrepancy be based in part on salary history due to employment gaps? You could have two equally qualified women (same education, same skills, same number of years doing a job with similar responsibilities, etc.) but if one had worked those years earlier and then had taken a break to have kids, her ending salary might be lower than a woman who has the same number of years of experience, but started later with higher pay. Does that make sense? So part of the way for moms to combat this is to become skilled at salary negotiation and knowing what kind of salary to expect or ask for. Just because the salary is more than what you used to make doesn't mean that's what the job is worth or that it's the most the company can pay.
Just trying to figure out what are the ways that individual women can work at changing the situation right now on a personal level. Figuring out how to change a societal problem on a global scale can be a little overwhelming.
Written by MP Dunleavey, March 08, 2010
C-I agree that we should take whatever steps we can to be proactive. I think that working moms are viewed as distracted and divided employees. One thing that would make a big difference is if more companies offered flex time. Many moms occasionally -do- need to keep odd hours. But that doesn't mean they aren't hard workers.
The international study pointed at this, too. Women are still expected to do most of the juggling on the domestic front. I think we need to lean harder on our partners/spouses.
The international study pointed at this, too. Women are still expected to do most of the juggling on the domestic front. I think we need to lean harder on our partners/spouses.
Written by Kenia, March 08, 2010
C - I agree with what you said about negotiating and researching what type of salary one should expect. Another thing that I think would help, is for women to stay active on some level while they are taking a break in their careers to take care of baby. With only a few hours a week - much less than even a part-time job - a mom could take a class at a local college to keep her skills sharp and learn new necessary skills. She could also visit a trade-show or two, and some events sponsered by professional societies. Networking helps a lot too. When someone who knows you in the industry, knows how competent you are (regardless of whether or not you're a mom), they could provide a valuable reference during the job hiring process.
MP - I think we do take an unfair work load...sometimes it's expected and forced upon us, but I've also seem situations where the woman doesn't ask her partner for help, or doesn't let him do anything because "The bathroom won't get cleaned well if I let him do it." I think too many woman try to be Super Woman, and it's not realistic. Sure, there are situations where the husband won't help even when asked, but I think women should ask more - and accept it's ok that the bathroom is cleaned good enough, if not perfect. It all comes down to asking - whether it's not negotiating or taking on too much load, woman need to learn to ask more (I'm currently reading a book titled 'Women Don't Ask' by Linda Babcock). The fact is, you only get things when you ask for them. Also, the way men's brains work (according to 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus') a man will assume you don't need help unless you ask directly. In general, they're not as good as picking up the subtle hints that you need help with something. Only girlfriends are good at that! ;)
MP - I think we do take an unfair work load...sometimes it's expected and forced upon us, but I've also seem situations where the woman doesn't ask her partner for help, or doesn't let him do anything because "The bathroom won't get cleaned well if I let him do it." I think too many woman try to be Super Woman, and it's not realistic. Sure, there are situations where the husband won't help even when asked, but I think women should ask more - and accept it's ok that the bathroom is cleaned good enough, if not perfect. It all comes down to asking - whether it's not negotiating or taking on too much load, woman need to learn to ask more (I'm currently reading a book titled 'Women Don't Ask' by Linda Babcock). The fact is, you only get things when you ask for them. Also, the way men's brains work (according to 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus') a man will assume you don't need help unless you ask directly. In general, they're not as good as picking up the subtle hints that you need help with something. Only girlfriends are good at that! ;)
Written by C, March 08, 2010
Kenia ~ I agree with you that there are women who want help, but only if it's done their way. I also agree that men often need to be asked (told) directly. For instance, if we are working on "company coming over cleaning" (versus regular cleaning), my husband prefers that I give him a list of what needs to be done, in order of priority. He's not insulted by that and he doesn't have to read my mind when it comes to what he could be doing next to help. This works really well for us!
Written by Kristina, March 09, 2010
I think celebrating International Women’s Day is a wonderful idea and is celebrated in many countries around the world however this article really concerns me.
Celebrating the win of the Hurt Locker for the best picture and best director is wonderful but doing so with the comments about James Cameron is rude. Mr. Cameron is an amazing director with vision and talents, the same as Kathryn Bigelow. But why make it a “Ha!” in his face? It makes it just a negative attack instead of recognizing her achievements. Why muddy the waters like this and take away some of her shine? Why make the comment at all? It is foolish and does nothing to move our society along.
It is their personal business. Yes, he is her ex-husband but why mention it? She is her own person, an amazing director, can stand on her own two feet and receive the recognition she deserves without having to mention him. Her film beat out his but also triumphed over 8 other films. Is that not more important than making a negative comment about one, regardless of who directed it?
Our society will never be able to move forward with comments like this.
Fairness and equality will never be achieved with comments like this.
Take the high road and recognize women and their achievements without the negative comments.
Celebrating the win of the Hurt Locker for the best picture and best director is wonderful but doing so with the comments about James Cameron is rude. Mr. Cameron is an amazing director with vision and talents, the same as Kathryn Bigelow. But why make it a “Ha!” in his face? It makes it just a negative attack instead of recognizing her achievements. Why muddy the waters like this and take away some of her shine? Why make the comment at all? It is foolish and does nothing to move our society along.
It is their personal business. Yes, he is her ex-husband but why mention it? She is her own person, an amazing director, can stand on her own two feet and receive the recognition she deserves without having to mention him. Her film beat out his but also triumphed over 8 other films. Is that not more important than making a negative comment about one, regardless of who directed it?
Our society will never be able to move forward with comments like this.
Fairness and equality will never be achieved with comments like this.
Take the high road and recognize women and their achievements without the negative comments.
Written by Lynn, March 09, 2010
Have to say, gave me a wry smile to see Kathryn Bigelow was also sitting infront of her ex-husband at the oscars ...made me think "infront of a great man there is a woman!!!".
With regard to working Mums (or Moms) I would also venture to suggest that women have to 'prove' themselves in order to get promoted ... VS men who are often promoted on 'potential'.
With regard to working Mums (or Moms) I would also venture to suggest that women have to 'prove' themselves in order to get promoted ... VS men who are often promoted on 'potential'.
Written by Aviva , March 16, 2010
I think its important to note Katherine Bigelow's accomplishments and point out the obvious fact that she is a women. Some women don't like to point out that fact becuase gender should not be an issue and they don't want to play into that. But with pop culture at an ultimate high, teen confidence is at an ultimate low. Girls are especially affected by this. So until the day comes when gender truly isn't an issue - I say YOU GO GIRL to all those that accomplish great things.
My company, Dreaming Tree Films, creates empowerment programs for teens. This May we're kicking off a much needed new all-girl program. Details to follow.
My company, Dreaming Tree Films, creates empowerment programs for teens. This May we're kicking off a much needed new all-girl program. Details to follow.
Written by Ilene35Melendez, May 24, 2010
All people deserve good life time and loan or just bank loan would make it better. Because freedom bases on money.
