Black and Hispanic women, less educated workers among those hardest hit by COVID-19 job losses
The current recession created by the COVID-19 pandemic has especially impacted women — particularly Black and Hispanic women — and less educated workers, magnifying existing U.S. employment inequality, according to new research from Washington University in St. Louis.
Anti-Asian racism nuanced and often intertwined in misogyny
Washington University’s Ariela Schachter and Linling Gao-Miles share their perspectives on the recent killing of eight people — including six women of Asian decent — in Atlanta and the history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S.
‘You’re Paid What You’re Worth’
With his new book, “You’re Paid What You’re Worth,” Jake Rosenfeld, associate professor of sociology, challenges the idea that we’re paid according to objective criteria, while placing power and social conflict at the heart of economic analysis.
School closures ‘sideline’ working mothers
New research shows that the gender gap between mothers and fathers in the labor force has grown significantly since the onset of the pandemic, especially in states where elementary schools primarily offered remote instruction.
You’re Paid What You’re Worth
And Other Myths of the Modern Economy
Your pay depends on your productivity and occupation. If you earn roughly the same as others in your job, with the precise level determined by your performance, then you’re paid market value. And who can question something as objective and impersonal as the market? That, at least, is how many of us tend to think. […]
Women are more likely to work under, and violate, pay secrecy policies
Despite increased state legislation banning pay secrecy, a new study involving a Washington University researcher finds informal policies have increased. The lack of transparency enables employers to discriminate — intentionally or not — against women in the pay setting.
An historic opportunity to combat systemic racism
Sociologist John N. Robinson III says President Joe Biden’s executive orders are an important first step in the fight against systemic racism, but to keep fighting because there’s an “historic opportunity” before us.
Lessons and cautions from 1965 to fight white supremacy
David Cunningham, chair of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, says Biden’s administration can and should make every effort to defeat the rise of political extremism and white supremacy, but should also be aware of unintended consequences.
Increase in Head Start funding ‘a national priority’
Increased funding for Head Start — the largest federally funded, early childhood development program in the United States — is needed to support families during the COVID-19 recession and to ensure a more stable economic recovery, according to research involving a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis.
The Free Market Has Failed U.S. Working Parents
New federal policies for paid leave, quality and affordable childcare, fair work schedules, and living wages are more important than ever.
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