In his article in Life & Arts on October 21, Tom Harford discusses the negative impact of allowing unnecessarily “greedy” jobs on women’s earnings. While he mentions high-earning jobs, this practice also affects women who work part-time. This can limit their career opportunities and undervalue their qualifications and competences, leading to long-term effects throughout their lives.
Women who are labeled as part-timers may face discrimination and unequal treatment in the workplace. They may be denied promotions, raises, or other benefits that full-time employees receive. This not only is unjust but also serves as an irrational barrier to women’s performance, especially given that women now outperform men educationally in many OECD countries.
Therefore, it is crucial to address not only the issue of “greedy” jobs but also the broader impact of part-time work on women’s careers. We need to create more equitable opportunities for women in the workforce by recognizing the value of their contributions and providing them with fair compensation and benefits. Only then can we achieve true gender equality and empower women to reach their full potential.