The Status of Women in the States
During the 20th century, women made significant economic, political, and social advances, but they are still far from enjoying gender equality. Throughout the United States, women earn less than men, are seriously underrepresented in political office, and make up a disproportionate share of people in poverty. Even in areas where there have been significant advances in women’s status, rates of progress are slow. For example, at the rate of progress achieved between 1989 and 2002, women will not achieve wage parity for more than 50 years. If women’s representation in Congress changes at the rate it did during the last decade, it will take almost 100 years to achieve equality in political representation.