GENDER-RELATED WAGE DIFFERENTIALS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS UNDER OBJECTIVE SALARY GRIDS: SOME LESSONS ON COMPARABLE WORTH

WILLIAM A. WINES, ROBERT D. LEY, AND JACK FIORITO


DOI: 10.2190/TT58-9MKH-QNK2-B0B0

Abstract

This article proceeds from two hypotheses: 1) that an objective system for wage determination would produce results less influenced by gender than nonobjective systems; and 2) that use of an objective system for wage determination would reduce but not eliminate the gender gap between male and female earnings - in part because of pervasive cultural factors. We have tested these hypotheses in a study of teachers' earnings in an out-state Minnesota school district that used a salary grid based on formal education and teaching experience. We found, even in this district that used supposedly gender-neutral criteria for wage setting, that gender was statistically significant - primarily due to additional compensation for activities such as coaching. After eliminating additional compensation and holding formal education and experience statistically even, there was still a small residual reward for "maleness." Most of the wage differential, however, could be explained in terms of formal education and experience.

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