Gender equality has always been an unresolved problem in society because of past generations, when men were thought to be “superior” to females in certain ways. One of the main factors that is considered unfair to many people is that of unequal pay for men and women. This is the case in sport, and an example currently in the public eye is the case for the US women’s soccer team. Despite their outstanding performances on the pitch – winning the Women’s World Cup four times – they earn less than men, and are provided with less support rather than the US men’s soccer team receives.
Statistics also show that the US women’s soccer team has actually brought in slightly more revenue than the US men’s team (men: $49.9 million – women $50.8 million).
However, the base salary of the female team is $100,000 whilst the men’s team receive a basic salary of $0. So how is it that the US women’s soccer team is paid less than the men’s team? The reason for this is that the prize fund for the men’s World Cup and women’s World Cup are very different.
The US men and women are paid a percentage of the prize money from their competitions. Women’s football has far fewer spectators compared to the men’s football, and therefore has far less sponsorship money to be shared out. That is why, unfortunately, women in football are currently paid less than men. If more people begin to watch women’s football, at the stadiums and on TV, the World Cup prize funds can become equal.
by Federico C.