Is the wage gap debunked?

Jessica Berget Editor-in-Chief

Or of the major reasons people cite a need for International Women’s Day (that I didn’t get to mention in this week’s feature) is the gender wage gap. The idea is that women are paid less than men for the same work—about 79 cents to the mans dollar, so they say. While many cite this as proof of the oppression women still face in our society, many claim it has been debunked.

A Statistics Canada report shows the contrast of the average income of full-time full-year employees by gender. Looking

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at the numbers it’s clear that there is a disparity on the women’s side—with only $55,300 compared to men’s $74,200 in 2017. Another Stat Can page says that in 2018, 25 to 54-year-old female employees earned about $4 less per hour than their male counterparts, making the wage gap then 87 for every dollar a man earns. Let’s look at the side that says this wage gap is a misunderstanding that has been pushed too far.

What is concerning is the little context these numbers are given. What they fail to mention are the hours worked, qualifications, or the various chosen careers of those employed—and these are all important things to consider; numbers

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need context.

Women are more likely to choose to focus on their families rather than work, and also more likely to take lower income or temporary jobs in order to prioritize their familial responsibilities. This is the common trend among the gender, and it does offer an explanation as to why such a wage gap might exist. These facts explain that the cause for the wage gap are not necessarily as blatantly sexist or negative as many dictate.

This is not to say that some women aren't chosen for jobs or given raises solely due to their gender—bias is a very real thing, and everyone has it whether they are conscious of it or not. Surely it happens

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with all kinds of people of all genders. However, the statistics of the wage gap needs to be supplied by a lot contextual information before we can say for sure that women are being paid less solely because of their sex. It is vital that before we make hostile claims about society, that we ensure that our evidence isn't based on

misunderstood numerical data.

Limes,

Jessica Berget

Jessica Berget

The Other Press has been Douglas College’s student newspaper since 1976. Since 1978 we have been an autonomous publication, independent of the student union. We are a registered society under the Society Act of British Columbia, governed by an eight-person board of directors appointed by our staff. Our head office is located in the New Westminster campus.

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What's going down at Douglas?

» Campus events happening this week

Jessica Berget Editor-in-Chief

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G a lot of time on campus with no way to spend it? The Other Press has got you covered! Here are some cool events happening this week to help you kill time between your classes.

Get your taxes done for free!

* March 2 to April 30, Monday to Friday + DSU building top floor

*i0amto5 pm

Stressed about tax season? No worries, the Douglas Commerce and Business Association has got your back. Get your taxes done for free by accounting student volunteers trained to help with your taxing woes—with a couple exceptions. Your annual income must be under $35,000 (or $45,000 household income

if you're single) and you must not be bankrupt or self-employed.

Inclusive Cities: Welcoming Newcomers * Thursday March 12

* New Westminster Campus, Room 2201 * 6:30 to8pm

How do you make a city more inclusive to immigrants? And how does immigration affect social solidarity? How do we create an inclusive city and community? Find out this and more at this free forum (that is open to the public) hosted by Douglas College. Dr. Elliott Rossiter, a professor at Douglas will be moderating.

“Tellers of Short Stories” Open Mic * Thursday March 12

* Anvil Centre Room 413A

* 6to8pm

Crystal Hunt is currently the author of

35+ books, co-founder of The Creative Academy of Writers, is on the board of directors for the Surrey International Writers’ Conference, and is the founding president of the Greater Vancouver Writer’s Association. With all that responsibility, it’s hard to see how she finds any free time. But lo and behold, Hunt is hosting an open mic night (presented by the Royal City Literary Arts Society) for people wanting

to listen to or read short stories. Attendees are encouraged to bring short stories for reading aloud.

EVENT’s Annual Used Book Sale * March 16 to 20

+ New West Concourse

* 8touam

Calling all book lovers! The New West Concourse is hosting a used book sales event as part of a fundraiser. Genres range from fiction, non-fiction, educational, to children’s books from local authors and literary professionals. Since they are used books, no need to worry about breaking your student budget. And they say print is dead.

Because We Are Girls Film Screening

* March 26

+ Douglas College Lecture Theatre Room 2201

* 6to8pm

It’s back again! In case you missed it the first time, IMPACTS is hosting a movie night for a locally made documentary

¢ What's going down at Douglas?

¢ Province announces new grant to ease student loan debt

e Ready, set, register... ..and more

Photo by Billy Bui

entitled Because We Are Girls, a movie that focuses on an Indo-Canadian family in a small town in BC as they deal with the horrible reality of sexual abuse in their family. Three sisters were at the hands of this abuse and come forward with their stories to protect their young relatives.

A panel discussion and conversation

will follow the film screening and light refreshments will be served. Please register beforehand!

#metime—A Self Care Workshop * Friday March 27

+ New West Campus Lower Cafeteria * 3fo5pm

Taking care of yourself is important, which is why Douglas College is hosting an event focused on the very thing some students might neglect—self care. This informative workshop will educate attendees on the importance of mental wellbeing and provide some ways for self-awareness. Light refreshments will be provided along with fun activities and prizes will be given out for participation—no registration required!