For women in the workplace, the “glass ceiling” is no abstract concept–it is all too real. Study after study has demonstrated that given the same job and experience level, men earn more money than women in the same position. But a new study released this week focused not on the wage gap between men and women, but between men with traditional views on gender, and men with more progressive, egalitarian views.
Published in the September issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology, the research showed that men with traditional beliefs and views regarding gender roles made substantially more money than men who embraced equality among the sexes.
The researchers interviewed approximately 8000 men; each was questioned about gender roles to determine their beliefs and views. The result of the interviews suggested that men with so-called “traditional” views on gender roles earned nearly $12,000 more annually than men whose views were identified as “nontraditional” or “progressive.”
Sociologists believe this research vindicates women’s struggle for equality in the workplace, and points out the “chauvinistic” paradigms which still run deep in the business world, and in society in general. But the researchers responsible for the study are hesitant to draw such broad conclusions– at least just yet.
Co-author of the study, Beth A. Livingston, admits she was somewhat perplexed by the findings. At first, Livingston suspected that the disparity in income was because, “men with traditional attitudes work in more complex jobs that pay more.” However, as the study progressed, it became clear that regardless of their chosen field or level of experience, attitudes toward gender roles were still strongly correlated with income.
During the research interviews, men were asked to agree or disagree with a series of statements regarding gender equality. The study found that men who favored women staying at home and looking after children had higher incomes on average than men with more progressive views.
Critics charge, however, that the study did not factor in mitigating facts, such as the age of the men involved. It is reasonable to assume that younger men will tend to favor gender equality, while the older generation would be more comfortable with traditional gender roles. This fact alone could seriously skew the findings, as older men tend to earn significantly more money than their younger counterparts.
Because these factors were not adequately accounted for in the research, social scientists believe more studies will be necessary before a definite correlation can be established between holding traditional gender views and making more money.
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