Why Equal Pay for Women Would Benefit the U.S. Economy

Women do not receive equal pay for doing the same jobs men do. Not only should women receive fair pay because they deserve it, but because it would be good for the U.S. economy.

Women Spend More Money Than Men, Thereby Sustaining the Economy

According to a study conducted in part by WomenCertified, a women’s consumer advocacy and retail training organization, women spend $4 trillion annually, accounting for 83% of all U.S. Consumer spending – or, an astounding two-thirds of the nation’s gross national product.

Nearly a quarter of all video games are purchased by consumers aged 40 and older, and 38% of all video game sales are made by women. In fact, even when it comes to “men’s” products including sports items and expensive cars, women still spend more than men.

According the Katherine Lewis, Guide to Working Moms, the above statistics are actually worse:

"Government statistics show that women are paid only 77 cents for each dollar earned by men. But Moms Rising says that crunching the numbers reveals an even grimmer situation: women “earn 10% less than their male counterparts; mothers earn 27% less; and single mothers earn between 34% and 44% less.”

The wage gap between men and women is narrowing by less than half a percent per year. Add inflation and the increased cost of living and women are doing worse, not better, since equal pay laws were enacted. This hurts women, families, and the economy.

• Jobs That Are Paying Women the Most Money
• Job Fields Business Women Dominate - Trends in Women's Occupations
• Where Does Your Candidate Stand on Equal Pay for Women?