Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Article: ‘Women’s Work’ Can No Longer Be Taken for Granted

    Posted 11-17-2020 12:41 PM
    Hi NAEYC Members,
    I'm sharing this article that a colleague shared with me. This article makes the distinction between "equal pay" and "pay equity." Here's an excerpt:

    Unlike “equal pay” — the concept most often used to address gender pay disparities in the United States — the concept of “pay equity” doesn’t just demand equal pay for women doing the same work as men, in the same positions. Such efforts, while worthwhile, ignore the role of occupational segregation in keeping women’s pay down: There are some jobs done mostly by women and others that are still largely the province of men. The latter are typically better paid.
    But if the coronavirus has taught us anything, it is that what has traditionally been women’s work — caring, cleaning, the provision of food — can no longer be taken for granted. “It’s not the bankers and the hedge fund managers and the highest paid people” upon whose services we’ve come to rely, said Amy Ross, former national organizer for New Zealand’s Public Service Association union. “It’s our supermarket workers, it’s our cleaners, it’s our nurses — and they’re all women!”

    I think we can add early childhood professionals to that last sentence! 

    You can access the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/opinion/sunday/women-pay-gender-gap.html?referringSource=articleShare

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    Tonya Satchell
    Johns Hopkins University School of Education IDEALS Institute
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  • 2.  RE: Article: ‘Women’s Work’ Can No Longer Be Taken for Granted

    Posted 11-18-2020 11:09 AM

    Tonya

    Thank you for sharing this – it's profound in impact. I re-shared (with  credit – hope that's OK) on Linked In.

     

    Reeva Murphy

     

    Reeva Sullivan Murphy, M.Ed.

    Heart of a Child

    Early Care and Learning Consultation

    The Yellow Cottage

    14 Barrows Road

    Stowe, Vermont 05672

     

    heartofachild.vt@gmail.com

    401-864-2879

     

    https://www.heartofachildconsultation.com/

     

     






  • 3.  RE: Article: 'Women's Work' Can No Longer Be Taken for Granted

    Posted 11-18-2020 11:42 AM
    This is a really nice explanation of the equal pay and pay equity concepts, both important, and an inspiring example of what is possible from New Zealand.  Thank you!

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    Alison Lutton
    Wyndmoor PA
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  • 4.  RE: Article: 'Women's Work' Can No Longer Be Taken for Granted

    Posted 11-19-2020 06:26 AM
    Thanks for a great article and example of what may be possible. Having worked in many settings and positions in early childhood, I can say that I am lucky to now receive good compensation for my work. That hasn't been true for most of my career. I sometimes joke that I have multiple degrees in teaching toileting and preparing lunches. The truth is there is no task more beautiful, human or humble than helping a child achieve functional independence as you are giving a child her dignity. I think those in power, particularly white men in power, are unable to acknowledge this truth because it makes them feel too vulnerable. The idea that they were once dependent and may one day be dependent again goes against their narrative. They therefore must demean the work we do. I am so very hopeful that we may be on the cusp of change. In the midst of the pandemic this article gives hope!

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    K Stall
    Just a Teacher :)
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