William Smart
Women's wages
"Woman's Wages" by William Smart is a socio-economic study written during the late 19th century. The book addresses the disparity between women's wages and men's wages in various industries, particularly in Britain, where it highlights the systemic undervaluation of women's labor. Smart, a lecturer on political economy, provides a critical examination of the economic factors influencing these wage differences, alongside the socio-cultural contexts that perpetuate them. In "Woman's Wages," Smart systematically deconstructs the reasons behind the wage gap between men and women. He identifies several key factors, including competition among women for low-paying jobs, the traditional assumption that women's wages are supplemental to men's, and the often lower perceived value of goods produced by women. Through a detailed analysis of statistics and real-world examples from various trades, such as textiles and teaching, Smart argues that women are disproportionately affected by low wages due to structural inequalities and a lack of effective organization within their labor force. He emphasizes the need for advocacy and reform to establish equal pay for equal work, positing that societal attitudes have impeded progress towards wage equality, thereby forcing women to accept lower wages that do not reflect their contributions or needs.