Why Men Earn More

The Startling Truth Behind the Pay Gap - And What Women Can Do About It

AMACOM, 2005

15 min read

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If women earn less than men it’s because they opt for personal fulfillment rather than high pay.

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Men’s movement guru Warren Farrell teaches you how to get more money, and says men earn more because women prioritize family over career. They work shorter hours, take more parental leave, and are less productive, trained and committed. If you’re a male who has prioritized hearth and home, you may have made some similar choices. Farrell also outlines some factors – danger, discomfort, heavy lifting – that increase the pay for some jobs. His data about salary-based job search is practical, but if you see the world through egalitarian or feminist lenses, you may find yourself a little testy.

Summary

The Problem with Doing Work You Love

“Following your bliss” is not the path to becoming rich. However, that does not mean that you must spend your life doing a job you hate in order to earn a good wage. By learning more about the kinds of jobs that are available, and by analyzing your field to discover which specialties pay the best and in which settings, you can achieve a better balance between family and career, and earn a higher salary.

You may have to make some sacrifices, such as relocating or working the night shift. But women, in particular, who conduct this kind of job analysis will discover that the salary gap does not stem from discrimination, but rather from women’s and men’s disparate approaches to work. Once they understand this, women will stop feeling victimized and will bring fewer lawsuits, which intimidate companies and make them reluctant to hire women.

“25 Ways” to Make More Money

Women can take 25 steps to improve their earning capacity. These steps may affect your job choices, training, commute and work conditions. While they may call upon you to work harder, longer or with more risk, they can help you balance home and work, and ...

About the Author

Warren Farrell is the author of several books on men in the U.S., including Why Men Are the Way They Are and The Myth of Male Power. He has appeared on Oprah and Larry King Live.

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A. D. 5 years ago

The correct statistic on hours per week is: <br> <br>“working 45 hours per week averages 44% more income than someone working 40 hours per week. That’s 44% more income for 13% more time.”

Warren Farrell