New York City Implements Ban on Weight-Based Discrimination, but the Impact on Earnings Extends Beyond Gender
Obese individuals face discrimination in various aspects of their lives, and the workplace is no exception. Previous studies have highlighted the significant wage disparity between obese and non-obese workers. While efforts are being made to address this issue, a recent report from the Institute for Employment Studies suggests that the costs of weight discrimination may be even more extensive than previously believed. This article delves into the findings of this report and analyzes data from the American Time Use Survey to shed light on the impact of obesity on earnings for both men and women.
The Wage Penalty for Well-Educated Obese Workers
Contrary to the notion that only women experience the wage penalty associated with obesity, The Economist’s analysis of data from the American Time Use Survey reveals that both men and women suffer from lower earnings due to obesity. While at an aggregate level, men’s body-mass index (BMI) is unrelated to their wages, the situation changes for well-educated men. Those with university degrees experience a wage penalty of nearly 8% when obese, even after considering factors such as age, race, education, and marital status. This finding is consistent across different datasets, further reinforcing the conclusion that well-educated workers, regardless of gender, are penalized for their weight.
The Impact of Education on the Wage Penalty
The wage penalty associated with obesity is influenced by the level of education. The analysis reveals that the higher the educational attainment, the greater the penalty. Obese men with a bachelor’s degree earn 5% less than their non-obese counterparts, while those with a graduate degree experience a staggering 14% wage reduction. Similarly, obese women face a 12% wage penalty if they have a bachelor’s degree and a 19% penalty if they have a graduate degree. These findings highlight the intersectionality of weight discrimination and educational attainment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions.
Occupation and Industry Disparities
Weight discrimination is also evident across different occupations and industries. The analysis shows that high-skilled jobs exhibit the greatest disparities in earnings. Obese workers in healthcare, for instance, earn 11% less than their non-obese colleagues, while those in management roles experience an average wage reduction of approximately 9%. Interestingly, sectors such as construction and agriculture associate obesity with higher wages. These findings highlight the complex interplay between weight discrimination and specific job sectors.
The Aggregate Costs of Weight Discrimination
The cumulative costs of wage discrimination faced by overweight workers in America are substantial. Assuming a 7% wage penalty for obese women (the average across the sample) and disregarding the impact on men and the higher penalties for the more educated, the estimated annual cost amounts to $30 billion. However, when accounting for the wage penalty faced by men and the exacerbated penalties for well-educated individuals, the total cost more than doubles to $70 billion per year. These figures underscore the economic impact of weight discrimination and the urgency for comprehensive measures.
The Path to Change
Several cities, including San Francisco and Washington, D.C., have already implemented bans on appearance-based discrimination, and states like Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Vermont are considering similar legislation. New York City recently enforced a ban on weight-based discrimination in various settings, including employment, housing, and public accommodation. However, the effectiveness of such bans remains uncertain. Analysis of a similar ban in Michigan, which has been in place for almost five decades, shows that the wage penalty for obesity remains unchanged. The eradication of prejudice requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond legal measures.
Conclusion:
Weight discrimination in the workplace carries significant economic consequences, impacting the earnings of both men and women. The Institute for Employment Studies’ report and The Economist’s analysis shed light on the hidden costs of weight discrimination, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions. Efforts to address this issue, such as bans on appearance-based discrimination, are a step in the right direction. However, true progress will require a societal shift in attitudes and perceptions, ensuring equal opportunities for individuals regardless of their weight.
Leave a Reply