Women in the workforce: How the wage gap affects Hispanic and non-Hispanic womens income

Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of SociologyThe wage gap between men and women is a well known truth; Non-Hispanic men tend to make higher incomes than both Hispanic and Non-Hispanic women (Smith & Powell, 1990). Less known are wage differences between different ethnicities of women in the workforce that also exist (Alon & Haberfield, 2007). Hypothesis #1 was supported, net of other factors, income increases as age increases. Support was found for hypothesis #2, as income increases so will every unit of educational attainment, net of other factors. Hypothesis #3, those who work in the goods producing sectors will make more income than those who do not work in the goods producing sector, net of other factors was supported. Hypothesis #4 was supported; net of other factors, higher skilled occupations will have higher incomes than lower skilled occupations. Support was found for hypothesis #5; Hispanic women are sorted into inferior economic positions relative to Non-Hispanic women. Hypothesis #6 was also supported; net of other factors, being a Hispanic woman will lead to a decrease in wages. There are some limitations specific to this study, using cross sectional data allows only for one point in time; it does not capture recent changes such as promotions, demotions, or divorces