Researchers used more than 40 years of national survey data and followed nearly 6,000 women from adolescence into midlife. They compared women who became mothers early in their careers with those who delayed motherhood or did not become pregnant.
The study found that women who delayed motherhood earned much more over a 30-year period. The result held after researchers accounted for age, race, marital status, education and working hours. The authors say career breaks, fewer promotions and less experience explain the wage gap. They suggest better reproductive planning and more support for working parents.
Difficult words
- adolescence — the period when someone becomes an adult
- midlife — the middle period of a person's life
- career — a person's long-term work or professioncareers
- delay — to make something happen later than planneddelayed
- earn — to get money in return for workearned
- promotion — a move to a higher job positionpromotions
- wage gap — difference in pay between two groups
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you delay parenthood for your career? Why or why not?
- What support for working parents would help people where you live?
- How can people plan work and family at the same time?
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