Recovery slower for women in Maryland

Slower economic recovery for women in Maryland

Women in Maryland face significant economic hardships, including higher rates of poverty than men, according to the most recent Census data. One in 10 women over the age of 18 lives at or below the poverty threshold (which is just $19,790 for a family of 3). For men the rate is closer to 1 in 14.

For female-headed households, that number jumps to 1 in 5. Add children under the age of 5 to the household and the poverty rate hits nearly 1 in 3. Women of color are more likely to live at or below the poverty threshold.

This follows a consistent theme that has emerged since the end of the Great Recession: not all Marylanders are benefiting from the recovery. As we’ve written about before, this is true for minorities, young workers, and workers with less education. It’s also true for women.

But for women, this type of inequality has been persistent for decades.

                      MDCEP Analysis of 2013 American Community Survey data

Women are almost half the full-time employment force in Maryland. However, they still earn substantially less than men. While a male full-time worker at the middle of the pay scale earns $58,746, his female counterpart earns only $50,211.

The majority of Marylanders are women and they are finding it more difficult to meet basic needs like nutritious food and adequate housing. As Maryland continues its recovery from the recession, state policymakers need to address these inequalities.

This blog begins a series focused on women’s economic equality in Maryland and policies to achieve that goal. MDCEP will release follow up posts on:

• Childcare subsidies
• Earned sick leave
• Expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit for childless workers
• Increases in the Food Supplement Program

The inequality faced by women prevents Maryland from economic growth and stability. Maryland would have a more robust and prosperous workforce if women received equal pay, the ability to care for their families without being penalized, and the ability to claim a tax credit open to those with children. These measures would put earned money into the pockets of over half of Marylanders. Employed women have contributed more to the gross domestic product than the information, communication, and technology-producing industries combined in 2012. That is a powerful incentive to galvanize the women’s workforce with supportive policies and challenge structural inequality.