Rants Round-up: Pay gap problems

Feminism and women’s rights are big social issues and discussions at the moment. From Anna Whitehouse’s #FlexAppeal movement to the #MeToo campaign, ~~women’s issues~~ *eye roll* gender equality issues are being widely debated.

A big part of that topic is the gender pay gap. In the past it has been reported that 78% of businesses pay men more than women. Now the government is coming under pressure to address gender pay gap reporting (companies keeping and sharing statistics on the pay gap), as evidence suggests this gap is growing (!). I have experienced discrimination in the workplace after returning from maternity leave and so this is an issue close to my heart.

We need to analyse the pay gap and its causes

Lucy at RealMumReview has written about the gender pay gap and reminded us that we shouldn’t be so quick to take statistics at face value and ought to consider the social issues surrounding them. She asks is it likely that women are more likely to take a step back in their careers after having children? And if so, WHY is that and WHAT can we do about it? She has also pointed out why she believes the why the media is to blame for lack of flexible working.

How childcare affects the gender pay gap

Nyomi over at Nomipalony looked at how the typical workplace patriarchal attitude is the problem in her opinion. She argues that a mindset which favours men in higher positions is harming both sexes. Men are less likely to opt to stay at home or to be granted flexible and/or part time hours. This ends up denying them the option of a more balance life and in turn can leave women taking lesser hours or roles.

Do you have any experiences of the gender pay gap or opinions about it? Share them below!

Sarah x

About Sarah Aslett

Mum, wife, writer, cat lover. Socially awkward, cake eater. Fan of bad language and TV Box Sets. Sarah Aslett blogs over at Mum OverRun, a mix of parenting confusion and frustration in the hope that someone else finds her mildly humorous or entertaining.