Abstract of "NSF Report on the Salaries of Ph.D's Reveals Gender Gaps in All Categories"
Author(s):
Edward Silverman
This article is the first part of a series on the National
Science Foundation's (NSF) biennial Ph.D. survey, which
discusses the results of an NSF survey that reveals the
disparity between the salaries paid to male and female
scientists. It reviews the cause of the problem as well as
potential solutions.
In 1989, the NSF surveyed 73,611 Ph.D. scientists (response
rate was 55%) with varying levels of experience. The survey
showed that female Ph.D. researchers earned less than their
male colleagues in industry, government, colleges, and
universities. The median annual salary paid to women Ph.D.
scientists was between 20% and 25.2% less than that paid to
men. Other studies have shown that this salary gap persists
throughout the career of the scientist. In fact, a study by the
Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology found
that pay for male scientists continues to rise until age 65,
while salaries for women generally plateau or decline by age
55.
Many of the women scientists interviewed felt that they were
being restrained by a male-dominated workforce. It was found
that most of the speakers at seminars were men. Because of this
domination by men, women are given fewer opportunities for
promotion--and fewer chances to generate opportunities for
other women or to encourage protegees to enter the
sciences.
Some of the other problems that the women scientists raised
were:
- The perception that younger women may abandon their
career to start a family. They are therefore not given many
of the opportunities that their male counterparts are
given.
- The belief that the problem would not be eradicated by a
new generation. Younger women are hesitant to enter the
sciences, knowing that the pay scales are limited.
- The proportion of women earning bachelor's degrees in
sciences is no longer rising.
The author notes that there are some attempts to rectify the
problem; some companies are making conscious efforts to
institute pay equity. These companies have methods of regularly
measuring and balancing salaries through merit raises, cash
awards, and promotions.
--abstract by Online Ethics Center staff.
Edward Silverman
The Scientist
(August 1991):