Money that a person or business receives regularly from work, investments, or other sources.
From Middle English 'incomen' (to come in), later used as a noun for things that come in, especially money. The idea is of earnings ‘coming in’ over time.
Income is literally what ‘comes in’ to you financially, as opposed to what ‘goes out’ as expenses. This simple in/out picture is the basis of all personal and business budgeting.
Discussions of income have historically centered male earners and often treated women’s income as supplementary. Gender pay gaps and undervaluation of feminized labor have shaped both economic reality and the language used around income.
When discussing income, acknowledge gender pay gaps and structural factors where relevant, rather than attributing differences solely to individual choices.
Highlight women’s and gender minorities’ roles in labor organizing, pay equity campaigns, and economic research on income inequality.
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