Final answer:
On average, women earn about 77% of what men earn, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Equal Pay Taskforce. This figure represents a complex issue that diverges by age, with pay converging early in careers and diverging as responsibilities, such as motherhood, impact career progression. Additionally, race and ethnicity factor into the wage gap, with minority women earning less compared to Caucasian men.
Step-by-step explanation:
On average, women earn about 77% of what men earn. This statistic was provided by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2010 and is corroborated by a report released by the White House's National Equal Pay Taskforce in 2013. However, it's important to note that the gender pay gap is a dynamic figure that has seen some change over time. According to 2021 data, women's pay has risen to 83% of men's pay. This is particularly close during the early career stages, where women's wages are 93% that of men's for ages 16-24, but the gap widens as the age increases, for instance, dropping to 78% for ages 45-64.
Certain factors, such as the disproportionate share of household responsibilities that women bear and career interruptions often associated with motherhood, contribute to lower average wages for women. The phenomenon of earning less due to family responsibilities is commonly known as the motherhood penalty, while men often experience a fatherhood bonus. Furthermore, disparities are even greater when considering race and ethnicity, as African American and Latina women earn considerably less compared to Caucasian men.