Poll Reveals Gender Pay Gap Perceptions Differ Between Men and Women

New survey shows stark divide in how US workers view pay equity issues.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:09am

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A new AP-NORC poll has found that most working women in the United States believe they are disadvantaged when it comes to earning competitive wages, but many men hold a different view. Equal pay emerged as a major source of concern for working women in the poll, with a stark divide in perceptions between genders on pay equity issues.

Why it matters

The poll results highlight the ongoing challenges around the gender pay gap and the need for continued efforts to address pay disparities between men and women in the workforce. Understanding these differing perspectives is crucial for developing effective policies and initiatives to promote pay equity.

The details

The poll found that a majority of working women feel they are at a disadvantage when it comes to earning competitive wages, while many men do not share this view. This divide in perceptions underscores the complex and persistent nature of the gender pay gap, which has been a longstanding issue in the US labor market.

  • The AP-NORC poll was conducted in March 2026.

The players

AP-NORC

A joint project of The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, conducting surveys and in-depth studies on a variety of topics.

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The takeaway

The poll results underscore the need for continued efforts to address the gender pay gap and promote greater pay equity in the workforce. Bridging the divide in perceptions between men and women will be crucial for developing effective solutions to this longstanding issue.