--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In 1980, the average CEO made forty-two…" description: "\"“In 1980, the average CEO made forty-two times what an average hourly worker took home. By 2005, the ratio was 262 to 1.”\" — Barack Obama" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed3/barack-obama-17_time_in-1980-the-average-ceo-made-forty-two-t_2854422.jpg" --- # In 1980, the average CEO made forty-two times what an… ![“In 1980, the average CEO made forty-two times what an average hourly worker took home. By 2005, the ratio was 262 to 1.” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed3/barack-obama-17_time_in-1980-the-average-ceo-made-forty-two-t_2854422.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed3/barack-obama-17_time_in-1980-the-average-ceo-made-forty-two-t_2854422.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed3/barack-obama-17_time_in-1980-the-average-ceo-made-forty-two-t_2854422.jpg) > ““In 1980, the average CEO made forty-two times what an average hourly worker took home. By 2005, the ratio was 262 to 1.”” [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. CEO wages vastly outpace workers, highlighting growing wealth disparity. **In simple terms:** CEO pay far exceeds average worker pay. Key Takeaway Advocate for fair wage policies. Themes economics inequality labor Mood concerned urgent Type political analytical When to use this quote - policy debate - union organizing - public advocacy Key Concepts wage gap corporate governance social justice Questions to Reflect On - What policies could reduce this gap? - How does this disparity affect societal cohesion? A Different Perspective May oversimplify complex factors. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“In 1980, the compensation of the average chief executive officer was forty-two times that of the average worker; by the year 2004, the ratio…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bogle/in-1980-the-compensation-of-the-average-chief-executive-officer-was/) John Bogle > [At times it has been good. 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