McCain: Women need more education. Statistical question

[MattBaggins]

I'm not even sure where to begin looking for the data but I have a hypothesis that would be a serious slap in the face to McCains stupid little idea. I am fairly certain that the number of women both attending and graduating from High School and Higher Education Institutions; is greater than that of men. What is the average education levels vs earnings of women in the work force compared to that of men?

[Cassandra]

1. Start here

http://www.9to5.org/

Yes, these days more women graduate at all levels than men but usually earn less.

[femmocrat]

2. Not certain, but I remember reading that there are more women in college

than men. Their average wages are probably way lower though... used to be around 69 (?) percent of what men in similar positions earn. Some smart DUer will have the correct figures!

[mrreowwr_kittty]

3. It is true that women are more likely to graduate from HS and go to college

But when it comes to earnings it doesn't necessarily translate. Women still earn somewhat less, on average, than men. This probably has to do with more men being in skilled trades that don't require a degree but pay well.

Ultimately, our country needs a massive investment in education for both boys and girls. We are lagging woefully behind other developed countries in terms of literacy, HS graduation, and math and science skills. We have excellent science and engineering colleges that are filled with students from other countries. Maybe more women than men go to college, but the majority of either gender don't and that's a big problem.