Salary Inequity in Social Work

Abstract

Fifty years after the Equal Pay Act of 1963, research continues to find disparities between the salaries of men and women across disciplines. This study examines empirical evidence about salary and gender within the social work profession from the 1960s to present day. All available articles with empirical data regarding salary and gender during the time period were included in this systematic review. Salary disparities were found between men and women in the vast majority of studies. The authors classify contributing factors into three categories (a) characteristics of the employing organizations, (b) characteristics of the position held, and (c) characteristics of the individual, and include a discussion of factors relevant to social workers in academic positions. The researchers recommend legislative policy changes, best practices in organizational policy, and proactive education within social work programs. Social workers have the opportunity to effect change in this area by promoting social justice within our society, practice, and educational institutions.

A Qualitative Gender Analysis of Women Field Guides’ Experiences in Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare: A Feminist Social Work Perspective

“…Social work, particularly feminist social work, has advocated for gender equity in the workplace as a social justice issue (Mallinger, Starks, & Tarter, 2017). In particular, social workers are charged with challenging gender discrimination in agency settings in which they work and bringing awareness to women's professional experiences related to gender (Lane & Flowers, 2015). As social workers in the field of OBH, we see this as the purpose of this study.…”

The Implementation of Labor Development Principles According to Job Creation Law as a Reason to Protect Wages Rights

“…Wages are underlying components in work relationships, as they contribute to the living of workers and their family members (Yetniwati, 2017). Wages could also encourage the productivity of workers, and wages also run a social function in the way that they are the symbol of respect to humans when they face unfortunate events (Lane and Flowers, 2015;Amalia, Ginting and Agusmidah, 2017). Improperly regulating wage policies could harm workers/labor and disharmonize social and economic aspects (Yetniwati, 2017).…”

Women Social Workers

“…In addition, social workers are expected to advocate for policy reforms that advance economic and social justice (Council on Social Work Education, 2015). Ethical practice dictates that social workers challenge gender discrimination within the agencies they work (Lane & Flowers, 2015). Yet, how effectively do women in social work apply these skills for their own benefit?…”