What social forces make women earn less than men?

[Discreet Package]

It could be in the perceived qualities of men. The working world can be an unforgiving place where decisions and deals have to be made that might be a bit ruthless. Sometimes employees have to be fired and reprimanded or a decision to downsize may cost people's jobs. More hours might be required of employees. Difficult decisions that may be required to be done quickly with hardness and emotional detachment.

I also have to agree with another poster about women having children. Employers in the US may be less forgiving when it comes to taking leave for motherhood.

However, I hear that women are attending college at a higher rate than men so the gap may lessen in time.