The gender gap is a mommy gap

It's not a pay gap, it's a mommy gap. A choice gap. "43% of highly qualified women with children are leaving careers or off-ramping for a period of time." ("Lean in" by Sheryl Sandburg) And I know this is difficult to understand, but a baby is a whole lot more fun than attending meetings, rushing to catch a plane, or listening to office gossip. So many women cut their hours, at least for a period of time, to enjoy their children rather than put them in day care or send them off to grandma's. That of course, means their salaries don't keep up.

I see my doctor tomorrow--she's only working 2 days a week since she had a baby last year. And it's her choice--it's an all female practice, and I think they are all doing that. Now if you want to study gaps, check out the difference the all female clerical staff who work full time, make compared to the doctors who are working 2/5 time.