Final answer:
The earnings gap between men and women has decreased since the 1980s after remaining relatively static in the 1970s. This is due in part to increased female participation in the workforce and higher education levels, although an earnings gap persists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earnings gap between men and women has evolved over the past few decades. Research by economists Francine Blau and Laurence Kahn indicates that the gap between the earnings of women and men did not change much in the 1970s, but has declined since the 1980s. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in law and culture, increased female participation in the workforce, and women obtaining higher education levels.
For instance, the percentage of undergraduate college degrees earned by women increased from 44% in 1971 to 56% by 2014. Additionally, a more significant percentage of women began earning law and medical degrees over time. Despite these gains, the earnings gap remains, underscored by the fact that women still do not hold a substantial share of the top positions in large companies or the U.S. Congress