1. Sociology of the Family
April 21, 2015

2. Wage Differentials: Mothers and Fathers
Never married women under age 35 living in urban areas have largely closed the wage gap
Wage gap increases for women over 35
How does the wage gap affect mothers?

3. Age and Wages
Age 35
Many women start to earn higher salaries, but the wage gap between men and women widens
Coincides with having children and starting families

4. The “Daddy” Bonus
Fatherhood increases men’s earnings - especially white and Latino men
Effect of fatherhood persists after controlling for “human capital variables”
Bonus is very small for African-American men

5. The “Motherhood Penalty”
Women experience a net loss of 4% in wages for every child
Women in top earning bracket (top 10%) do not experience wage penalty
Effect persists even for women who work in “family friendly” environments

6. Dual Earner Couples
Family identity – arrangements of career and care-giving
Traditional
Non-traditional
Outsourced
Family First
Egalitarian
Men and women who aspire to “egalitarian” roles in career and family – difficult to uphold this ideal in current social structure

7. Discussion Questions
What are the social problems facing families and what might be some solutions?
Is an egalitarian model sustainable?