Women's Work Rights in the United States

In the United States, women continue to earn less wages than men. Women's work rights involve single mothers with children, married women, unmarried women, educated women and elderly women. Globally, women make up 70 percent of the world's poor.

Wages

Women's wage gap affects statistics regarding three-quarters of all children living in poverty. The systemic attention given to rectifying cases of discrimination on the federal level has not supported an increase in women's wages.

Women of Color

Research regarding wages has significance for all working women, but is emphasized for women of color. Quantitative data from focus groups shows that women of color are likely to experience a hostile work environment.

Work/Life Balance

The role of women in the work force has changed as more women are taking jobs. Women's work rights have forced families and communities to address the issue of family caretaker roles.

Poverty

Equal pay for women is a simple solution to fighting poverty.

Discrimination

The Equal Pay Act was brought into effect in 1963. In 2008, there were 954 charges of compensation discrimination charges made to the EEOC. The wage gap reflects women's rights to equal pay, but advocacy for women claiming discrimination is minimal.

References

• Census data research
• Center for American Progress
• Wage Gap for 2008

Resources

• Poverty and Activism
• Women and Media