Economic rights: Women?s economic rights depended greatly on whether they were married or unmarried, and their social status. If a woman was married, her position was subservient to that of her husband. The husband provided the income and shelter for his wife and family. Upon marriage a woman could not retain control over any property she had prior to the marriage. Indeed the common law saw man and his wife as one entity, unito caro. The wife?s livelihood, property and indeed legal existence merged into that of her husbands. A women could not enter into a contract without

The Fruit Pickers Award of 1912 legislated on the difference between male and female wages. The needs of a women worker were judged to be those of a single woman, while a man?s wages (whether married or not) were set according to the married male basic wage. Women working in what was deemed "female" occupations received lower minimum rates than those in "male" occupations (such as fruit pickers ). Today women, on average, earn less than their male counterparts. In 1998 women in full-time employment were earning approximately 84 per cent of the average male wage.

In New South Wales, the right to enter into contracts was granted by the Married Women?s Property Act 1893 and the right to sue and be sued was granted under the Married Person?s Act 1901. This gave married women considerable rights in relation to property and separate income. Before these Acts, upon marriage the property that a woman owned would transfer in ownership to her husband and he had control over it. A woman could have dealings in property or any related income only through her husband.

Many women complain about lack of access to promotional positions, claiming that circumstances often favour male candidates. Others believe that women do not choose to pursue promotional positions in the assertive way that man do. In some cases women are less likely to be as committed to their careers as men, particularly married women with children who may have different priorities.

· women often have a preference for flexible hours and proximity to home to cater for children?s needs

· women take time off work to look after their families

Some topics in this essay:
Glass Ceiling, Management Traditional, Pickers Award, Promotion Studies, Harvester Award, Womens Paid, South Wales, Persons Act, Property Act, promotional positions, · women, basic wage, glass ceiling, male basic wage, male dominated, · employers, south wales, earn income, granted married, social status,