Comparable Worth: A Common Dilemma

There is currently a vigorous debate in the United States over the concept of comparable worth. This debate, however, has virtually ignored the European experience in grappling with the important questions surrounding this issue. Indeed, many American participants in the debate are shocked to discover that comparable worth has been a legal requirement in the European Economic Community (EEC) for almost ten years. I believe that an examination of Europe's experience with comparable worth can inform the American debate.