Lesbians Who Live Together Earn More Than Married Women
October 17, 2007 by Kristen King
Filed under Women's Health
Not sure this is exactly a health topic, but it sure is interesting. A study published in the current issue of Industrial Relations compared income between lesbian women and heterosexual women in cohabitating relationships (married or nonmarried):
Using data from the 2000 Census, Jepsen compares the earnings of cohabiting lesbians to those of cohabiting, but unmarried, and married heterosexual women. While previous studies on wage differences between lesbians and heterosexual women have been based on very small samples of homosexuals, this new study includes data for over 14,000 women.
Jepsen finds that the average earnings of cohabiting lesbians are higher than those of both cohabiting and married heterosexual women. On average, lesbians who cohabit earn 10 percent more than married women.
You can read more about the findings in the full press release.
Why do you think this is? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King
It may be because co-inhabiting heterosexual couples are more likely to raise a family and follow the traditional family stereotype with a stay at home mother. Where as lesbian couples tend to both stay working and are less likely to settle down to a one income family.
I have to agree but disagree at the same time. I know… confusing. I think it is due to most heterosexual couples having children thus the women being more family oriented and less in high profile jobs. I say most because this is not always the case.
I know a few lesbian “married” couples that have children and one does stay home while the other goes and works to bring home the bacon.
I think on a whole though, more heterosexual than homosexual women have children and a higher amount of duties at home and feel the need to have more flexible or part time jobs.
Can you imagine, “No, Mr CEO, I can not attend the meeting due to little Tommy pooping and barfing all over himself. I need to stay home today”. I don’t see that working,
Great comments, Cary and Kendra. Thanks for weighing in!
Kristen