Not only is this another misplaced article, in the Relationships sub-section of the Life&Style part of the Sydney Morning Herald, even though it’s clearly about work, (but hey, it includes comments about a report by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency, so it’s about women, so it’s clearly not “real news”), but … but … but …
Call me naive, but I thought we were over the “women don’t work hard” canard. I had a look for some studies about women and work, but a quick google didn’t throw up anything authoritative. However, a look at Professor Wooden’s statements (as reported by the SMH) is probably enough:
Social researcher for the University of Melbourne Mark Wooden said men were earning on average 15 per cent more than women because they put in more time at the workplace.
“All high achievers in all walks of life … put in long hours into their activity,” Professor Wooden said.
“It’s (the pay equity gap) got a lot to do with the fact that women are not prepared to work longer hours.”
Prof Wooden said even if workplaces were family friendly, “many women would not pursue long-hour jobs”.
Gee. Women are not “prepared” to work longer hours. No recognition of social factors that may, just may, influence these decisions. No recognition of the absolute lack of support if a couple decides it’s going to be the man who is the primary caregiver (which means it’s often easier for the woman to do so). And no recognition of the vicious cycle in making that decision that seems to me to go something like this:
Which parent is going to stay home (more)?
Economically, it makes more sense for the parent with more earning potential to work more.
In a heterosexual couple, that is often the man.
See where I’m going with this?
And, of course, the total lack of recognition of the importance of the time taken for, say, maternity leave and child care, let alone the work that is necessary in the home (no matter who does it).
Way to go, Professor Wooden. Way to take the debate right back to where it was, oh, decades ago.
While looking for the studies about women and work, I also found this blog: Down Under Women. Could be useful.
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