We all have this idea that men earn more wages than women, but the new study will surprise you. The research shows that the wage inequality that parents face for parental leaves is too much. We all know that fathers take less time off to care for their new baby than women; thus, they are likely to be paid more by their employers. These findings are extracted from a survey released on New America, a Washington D.C based think tank that focuses its study on men and their caregiving nature.
The survey
The survey suggested that 71% of the fathers take leave to look after their child or family with the least paid time off. However, 57% of the fathers get fully paid leave for this chore. On the other hand, 52% of the mothers suggested that the employer only partially pays for their leaves. However, in the case of 33% of the women, they got fully paid leave for caregiving.
Mothers in most of the states have access to paid maternity leaves, which is something that fathers cannot use.
New Americans report
The survey was conducted with 2,966 men and women on the 25th of May, 2016 through an online panel. NORC, a research institution at the University of Chicago, ran this online survey panel.
On the contrary to the general public, men have seen more eager to take leave for taking care of their loved ones. However, most of the men already take time off.
48% of fathers take off right after the birth or the adoption of their child if we compare it to 55% of the mothers. 25% of men have already taken off to look after their family, compared to that of 31% of women.
The conclusion of the report stated that men and women both want to take time off; however, men are less likely to get it.
Why do men get more money than women?
The prime reason for men getting more salary than women is that men do not take time off until and unless they are getting paid for it. Thus, employers don’t pay men more money for paternity leave than what women get for maternity leave. Men have the luxury to choose when they want to take leave, and when not, however, does not have that facility; thus, employers have set the pay rules accordingly.
Mothers have to face the pressure of prioritizing caregiving overwork; however, men have the option to choose. Thus, the employers pay less pay to women as compared to that of men. It helps us to get an insight into why there is a gender pay gap for parental leave.
Winding up
According to new findings from the New America survey, the parental pay culture has changed. Nowadays, men are equally interested in caregiving. Thus, a similar percentage of approx. 30% would be paid for parental leave to both men and women in the future. However, men must feel empowered while taking time off without facing any economic crises.