Pew Research: A Closer Look at Gender Gaps and Gains in the US

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to reflect on the progress made by women in the United States. Over the past few decades, American women have experienced significant shifts in labor force participation, education, and earnings. However, persistent gender gaps remain in certain areas. Let’s delve into the data:

1. Labor Force Participation

  • In 1950, women constituted only 30% of the U.S. civilian labor force. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has risen to 47%. While this represents substantial progress, growth has recently stagnated.

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that women will continue to make up slightly less than half of the labor force through 2032.

2. Education and Workforce

  • Women now outnumber men in the U.S. college-educated workforce, comprising 51% of those aged 25 and older. This shift occurred in the fourth quarter of 2019 and persisted even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Approximately 35% of workers in the country’s highest-paying occupations (such as physicians, lawyers, and dentists) are women. This is a significant increase from the mere 13% in 1980.

3. Breadwinning Roles

  • The dynamics of opposite-sex marriages have evolved. In 1972, husbands were the primary breadwinners in 85**%** of marriages. By 2022, this figure dropped to 55%. Women now serve as the sole or primary breadwinners in 16% of opposite-sex marriages.

  • In 29**%** of marriages today, husbands and wives contribute equally to household income, compared to just 11% in 1972.

4. The Gender Pay Gap

  • Despite progress, the gender pay gap remains relatively flat. In 2022, U.S. women typically earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.

  • This analysis of hourly earnings for full- and part-time workers underscores the need for continued efforts to achieve pay equity.

While women have made significant gains, there’s still work to be done. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality across all sectors of society.

Click here to review the full report and charts.

PEW ResearchBritney AchinAuthor: Kelly Littleton