Sociology3
Iyauna Griffin
General Sociology
Assignment 3
December 2nd, 2014
Interpreting a Graph The graph deals with the social phenomenon of wives who earn more than their husbands in the U.S. This graph show the date in years from 1988 to 2012, skipping the odd years while numbering. In 1998, the graph shows that approximately 22.7 percent of women made more than their husbands. In 2010, the graph show that approximately twenty-eight percent of wives made more than their husbands. When asked, what possible factors could be linked to wage gains made by American women in today’s American society, I can say there are a few factors. For an example, women have made tremendous gains in wages, education, and in employment. A lot of women are what some call “go getters”. They do not want to depend on a man to be the only one bringing something to the table, so they feel like they need to work just as hard. Having a good education can take you very far in life. It helps you get a better paying job as well. Is it likely that “wage superiority” made by American wives would destabilize the traditional division of labor and authority inside the American family? In a way I feel like it is. Some men may feel weak, and not worth anything simply because their wife makes more than them. Some men feel as if they should bring the majority to the table. In my opinion I feel like it should be acceptable for the woman to bring just as much to the table, and be able to provide for their family equally. During lecture it was said that forty-three percent of African-American wives run their household, and twenty-three percent of Hispanic women run theirs. I would not say that the husbands are lacking, because numerous things can happen, like salaries having to be decreased, or being laid off. That would definitely make someone’s wife make more than them. I have read in an article that pay gaps can make a difference. In some states there is a huge pay gap where women made 78 percent of what men
General Sociology
Assignment 3
December 2nd, 2014
Interpreting a Graph The graph deals with the social phenomenon of wives who earn more than their husbands in the U.S. This graph show the date in years from 1988 to 2012, skipping the odd years while numbering. In 1998, the graph shows that approximately 22.7 percent of women made more than their husbands. In 2010, the graph show that approximately twenty-eight percent of wives made more than their husbands. When asked, what possible factors could be linked to wage gains made by American women in today’s American society, I can say there are a few factors. For an example, women have made tremendous gains in wages, education, and in employment. A lot of women are what some call “go getters”. They do not want to depend on a man to be the only one bringing something to the table, so they feel like they need to work just as hard. Having a good education can take you very far in life. It helps you get a better paying job as well. Is it likely that “wage superiority” made by American wives would destabilize the traditional division of labor and authority inside the American family? In a way I feel like it is. Some men may feel weak, and not worth anything simply because their wife makes more than them. Some men feel as if they should bring the majority to the table. In my opinion I feel like it should be acceptable for the woman to bring just as much to the table, and be able to provide for their family equally. During lecture it was said that forty-three percent of African-American wives run their household, and twenty-three percent of Hispanic women run theirs. I would not say that the husbands are lacking, because numerous things can happen, like salaries having to be decreased, or being laid off. That would definitely make someone’s wife make more than them. I have read in an article that pay gaps can make a difference. In some states there is a huge pay gap where women made 78 percent of what men