[Podcast] Why Women Are Rarely Getting The Highest Paying Jobs

The wage gap based on gender is a real thing. We all know that the wage gap exists in the labor market that keeps women away from the highest paying jobs.

Usually, we put the blame on the policymakers of the labor market, like managers and supervisors, for creating jobs that pay more to men than women. 

Interestingly, Harvard historian and economist Claudia Goldin introduced a new reason behind the fewer women getting the highest paying job in the HBR podcast. She calls “greedy work” the main culprit behind the gender wage gap. 

But what’s greedy work? Listen to the IdeaCast podcast to find out all about greedy work and how it is impacting women. 

Key Pointers From Highest Paying Job Podcast

Greedy work means a person has to put in long hours to get a high remuneration. For example, companies pay higher salaries to CEOs who are available 24/7 to meet with clients and discuss business issues.

On the contrary, people who perform caregiver duties like taking care of kids or old parents need more flexible hours than higher pay. Since women are mostly considered as the caregivers in the family thus, they reduce their working hours to take care of their family. 

Therefore, women get the few highest paying jobs due to their caregiver responsibilities. Claudia Goldin has discussed this concept in her book Career and Family in depth. 

Key Takeaway 

The gender wage gap is a huge problem for modern society. But, it can be easily reduced if men and women both step out to reduce their working hours and focus more on their personal affairs.

If men agree to take off on weekends and spend more time with their family, it will automatically reduce pressure from women, and they become candidates for the highest paying jobs. 

The pandemic has been a silver lining for women as many jobs have turned flexible during this period. 

Will Women Get the Highest Paying Jobs?

It is a hypothetical question. But, the way the pandemic has changed the work culture and the number of heterosexual couples is increasing, it is possible that more women will get the highest paying jobs. 

But, for the real picture, we have to wait and see.