The 77-cent statistic and demagoguery

Krista Kafer writes,

Look up the old saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics," and you'll see this as exhibit A: Women earn 77 cents for every dollar a man earns.

Politicians use the figure because it fits the "women as victims in need of a savior" narrative and it provides them campaign material during the election season. The statistic serves to justify proposed federal legislation like the Paycheck Fairness Act and as a verbal bludgeon against anyone who dares oppose the bill.

Women tend to have fewer accumulated hours and years in their occupation than men who do the same work. A full-time male employee tends to work 8 to 10 percent more hours than a fulltime female employee. Women often take time off or work part-time when caring for young children and this impacts their income.

In short, they choose time over money.

Clearly the situation is more complex than the 77-cent statistic and demagoguery would suggest. While there are still a few sexist dinosaurs out there, most men do not fit that description. Likewise, most women are not hapless victims but are intelligent decision-makers balancing work and life's demands. Could we do a better job coaching women in high school and college to negotiate their salaries? Certainly. Do we need more government regulation, more lawsuits and more misleading statistics? Not if we value the truth and each other.

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