Best ‘Equal Pay’ Argument Yet

By Richard Whitmire — September 17, 2010 1 min read

Save to favorites
Print

Email Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Copy URL

Richard Whitmire

Richard Whitmire was a former editorial writer at USA Today and past board president of the National Education Writers Association, and a frequent opinion commentator on national education issues.

The math behind the “equal pay” campaign may be sketchy, with economists telling us very little of the pay gap has to do with actual discrimination. But just for a moment, set that aside, and consider Valerie Jarrett’s argument in the Post today: Women need to earn more because with so many men losing their jobs they have become sole supporters of the family. You have to admit: this argument has appeal.

The opinions expressed in Why Boys Fail are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

Reprints, Photocopies and Licensing of Content

All content on Education Week's websites is protected by copyright. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of the copyright holder. Readers may make up to 5 print copies of this publication at no cost for personal, non-commercial use, provided that each includes a full citation of the source. For additional print copies, or for permission for other uses of the content, visit www.edweek.org/help/reprints-photocopies-and-licensing-of-content or email reprints@educationweek.org and include information on how you would like to use the content. Want to seamlessly share more EdWeek content with your colleagues? Contact us today at pages.edweek.org/ew-for-districts-learn-more.html to learn about how group online subscriptions can complement professional learning in your district or organization.

Best ‘Equal Pay’ Argument Yet

Sign Up for EdWeek Update