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That's all 'taboo' means. It identifies things we don't talk about openly, regardless of why. Personally, I think the social disinclination to talk about sala
by roc 16y ago
That's all 'taboo' means. It identifies things we don't talk about openly, regardless of why.
Personally, I think the social disinclination to talk about salary is as manufactured for private gain as the whole diamond engagement ring 'tradition'.
The practical effect of secrecy in compensation is that employers have a massive advantage in negotiations and end up paying far, far less for labor. Perhaps I'm just cynical, but in my personal experience, effects like that are never accidental.
- petercooper 16y agoThat's all 'taboo' means. Sure. My point was mocking how it can't be the "last" conversational taboo since there are other, far more private things we don't tend to discuss in public either. Indeed, discussing salary isn't a "taboo" at all from my POV since so many people do it in public nowadays anyway.
- roc 16y agoI've had far, far more conversations that included all those other personal details than I've had that included compensation.
- petercooper 16y agoYou've had more conversations about your sexual preferences and anatomical details than about money you've earned? Sounds fun but I suspect that puts you in the minority ;-) At least on HN where "I made $X yesterday!" type comments and posts seem to be reasonably common.
- kscaldef 16y agoThere's only one person I've dated who knew my salary, and vice versa.