When analyzing different graphs that depict various aspects of the status of women in Costa Rica, I see a discrepancy

of income in relation to education. Originally, Tico women were supposed to maintain the household duties and family responsibilities, while the men were to be the bread-winners. As time has progressed, so has the social and gender roles within the country; however, the economic aspect shows otherwise. Although it is equally acceptable for women to get an education and maintain a job, the imbalance in pay reflects an underlying gender inequality within their society. In the chart from the website www.economicwoman.com, it shows that females in the present day Costa Rican society generally obtain an education, primary through tertiary. The images depict the amount of females not in primary, secondary, or tertiary schooling.

Figure 1 Women not receiving primary schooling (Newman).

Figure 2 Women not receiving secondary schooling (Newman).

Figure 3 Women not receiving tertiary schooling (Newman).

By looking at the pictures, one can conclude that the Americas place a high value in education. But when looking at the chart below, it shows that their income is disproportionate. In comparison to America, Costa Rica is similar in education, but polar opposite in finances. America has an imbalanced pay ratio for women when compared to men; they generally make 77 percent of what men make in the same position (Glynn), but the country is still very
Figure 4 Women salaries (Newman).

much so enlarged in the chart-showing that women still have high salaries. So when comparing the salaries of women in America to Costa Rica, there must be a greater inequality in pay within the country. Costa Rica has evolved and has undergone various governmental and societal changes within the past couple of decades that have primarily affected the role of women. Originally, women were to handle the household and be a trophy to men; however, after many movements across the world and women expressing their desire to have more versatility, they have been able to branch out and pursue jobs and careers of their particular interest. Along with the societal acceptance of different rights for women, Costa Rica also elected their first female president, Laura Chinchilla. In comparison to a vast majority of other countries around the world, Costa Rica is very advanced in regards to women involvement in politics. In America, although they are paid less than men, women are paid well compared to the rest of the world; but we still have

yet to see a female president. In Costa Rica, there is a female president, the majority of women pursue education beyond the secondary level, and they have the right to pursue their interests aside from domestic duties; yet the salaries do not coincide with one another. Even though, Costa Rica is behind America in regards to gender equality in the workplace, they have surpassed America in the governmental equality aspect. After analyzing the history of Costa Rica compared to America, Costa Rica is a much younger country than America and has a few aspects to improve on. Although there are aspects that need improvement, Costa Rica has improved a majority of how the country functions and views different issues. Seeing that Costa Rica has already improved multiple things in such a short span of time (compared to America), I only foresee women in Costa Rica eventually being paid better or equally to men in the workplace. My reasoning behind this prediction is that if America has had movements over a variation of issues regarding equality (i.e. race, gender, sexuality, etc.) and still has yet to have a female president, then Costa Rica will progress and have equal pay between genders because they are about a century younger than America and have rapidly progressed in gender equality in the past couple of decades. Unfortunately, it may take some time for women to receive equal pay because of the general perception of gender roles around the world.

Resources

Glynn, S. J. The top 10 facts about the wage gap. Retrieved from http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/labor/news/2012/04/16/11391/the-top-10-factsabout-the-wage-gap/ Newman, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.worldmapper.org/textindex/text_index.html