Constrained Choices and Persistent Gender Inequity

Abstract

This paper reports on exploratory research in New Hampshire, a state which has socio-economic characteristics—including strong long-term economic performance, high levels of educational achievement among women and low poverty—that would seem to foster gender earnings equity. Yet, New Hampshire has the fourth lowest gender earnings equity in the nation. The detailed exploration of this state's experience highlights that to reach a higher plateau of gender earnings equity will require significant changes in gender relations in marriages and families, the enhancement of support systems for women and their families, and changes in industry and occupational practices in the United States. The focused inquiry highlights how difficult it will be to improve gender earnings equity in the nation. The paper was written as part of a special issue for the American Behavioral Scientist on the economic status of women in the United States and is intended to inform both future inquiry and policy discussions.