Today, Explained Equal pay is the goooooaaaaaallllllllll!
Jul 2, 2019
Caitlin Murray, a journalist specializing in the U.S. women's soccer team and author of "The National Team," sheds light on the team's groundbreaking journey. She discusses their historic lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation for equal pay, revealing the challenges female players face in contract negotiations. Murray highlights the evolution of women's soccer in America, from its humble beginnings to current popular momentum, and underscores the financial disparities still plaguing the sport. The conversation is both inspiring and a call to action for gender equity in athletics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Legal Precedent
- A 1994 California lawsuit ruled a male basketball coach's higher pay was justified due to a higher workload.
- The USWNT, with high expectations and pressure, mirrors this precedent, doing more "work" than the men's team.
Lawsuit's Potential Impact
- True "equal pay" is unlikely due to different contract structures; the women want more compensation, not a structural change.
- The lawsuit's impact might be a reevaluation of how US Soccer treats the teams, questioning reasons for differences.
Global Perspective on Equal Pay
- The US has an equal pay issue, but it's less severe than in other countries.
- Surprisingly, even countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland have worse disparities.
