By Elise Solé
A cultural awakening has occurred over the past several years that might explain why women are becoming more emboldened about money, according to Chandra Childers, a senior research scientist at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR).
“Women may be subconsciously responding to misogynistic themes in popular music that portray them as gold diggers,” Childers tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “For example, just listen to any Beyoncé song for messages of empowerment, which affects how women view themselves.”
The #MeToo movement has also made an impact, she adds, with women stepping forward in the face of injustice and male control. In that regard, the wage gap is undeniable: Women make 80.5 cents for every male dollar earned, with a more dramatic gap for women of color, according to 2016 figures from the IWPR. “We’re now seeing more women advocate for raises, take negotiation workshops, and draw a line between earning an income and acquiring genuine wealth,” says Childers.
