Boys paid more for working at home
GENDER inequality starts with the piggy bank, according to new research.
Boys – even at the age of 11 – earn 12 per cent more pocket money than girls.
The research by comparison website Finder.com.au comes from a survey of thousands of children aged 12 and under. It shows boys were paid an average $13.57 a week, while girls received $12.08.
Boy-only families pay kids more, and in one-child households boys get $18 a week and girls $15. Workplace Gender Equality Agency director Libby Lyons said gender inequality and stereotyping was a cradle-to-grave issue.
“What are we saying about the value of women’s work if we say it is OK to pay girls and boys differently at such a young age?” she said.
CBA head of school banking and youth Veronica Howarth said a general rule of thumb used by parents was to pay $1 for every year of age for their child. “In our opinion, to make it fair, the amount you set should be consistent for all of your kids,” she said.
Lisa Lucas said her daughter Tess ‘TJ’, 7, and son Logan, 5, would pocket the same weekly allowance unless one of them completed more chores. “For the big jobs, they can earn a little bit of pocket money, and if one child, girl or boy, does that job they’ll earn more,” she said.
Ms Lucas said her children’s allowance would in no way be linked to their gender.