Digital marketing is a bit of a boys club at the moment, but that about to change?
As we’ve written about before, the gender pay gap is still an issue. While many companies and industries are doing all they can to level the playing field, there are some industries that have deeper rooted problems when it comes to evening the gap.
Some figures were recently released regarding the wages of digital marketers where, on average, men were being paid more than £8,000 per year more than women. Such a big gap is clearly a problem, but what (if anything) is being done to change this?
Currently, digital marketing is dominated by men. This mainly is due to the courses we pursue through school, higher education etc. STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) have a history of being quite the boys club which, in turn, tends to lead to the digital marketing industry. With so many men around, it stands to reason that they are more likely to get promoted and reach more senior roles within a company. These promotions come with many benefits, not least of all a bigger pay packet.
So we have a male dominated industry thats issues don’t start in the office, they start at school. So how can we make a difference? It turns out that it might already be happening!
Girls of younger ages are starting to see the appeal of STEM courses and year on year the numbers of girls studying are on the rise. It’s not a landslide change, but the numbers are certainly heading in the right direction. As these numbers continue to increase over coming years and as more women graduate with STEM qualifications, we’ll most likely see more take up the roles in digital marketing. Great news!
Yes, the gender pay gap is still a problem. No, there isn’t a quick fix. Unfortunately this is a hangover from a time where girls just didn’t want to pursue STEM careers. But, as we see young girls become more interested in these subjects and the gender balance start to balance out, we should see the financial side start too also.
This doesn’t just apply to the Digital marketing industry, this is something that we’re seeing effect many other career choices too. Women and men are both beginning to take steps into fields that were traditionally dominated by the other which, in time, should see that gender pay gap slim down. This at least in part is down to a societal change in mentality, where pre-.determined gender roles are starting to break down and either gender is more free to pursue the career of their choice.
So if you’re thinking about a new career, even one that’s traditionally dominated by the other sex, go for it! And if you're worried about how you’ll fit this new career into your already hectic life, think about starting it as a job share. Be sure to sign up and see how we can help you get there.