People tend to shy away from discussing money with their friends, co-workers, and bosses, especially when it comes to income. This "rule" can significantly affect marginalized groups, including women, whose unwillingness to discuss their salaries and compare them to that of their male counterparts can lead to workplace inequality.
A 2017 report by the Institute for Women's Policy Research showed that 25% of private companies forbid employees from discussing their salaries. However, under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), employees have the right to communicate with other employees about their wages, making company-ordered silence completely moot.
Discussing salaries is one of the most effective ways to increase awareness about income inequality. Feeling "awkward" or "rude" when talking about income leads to underpaid workers staying underpaid, so the next time you are feeling shy about sharing your salary with a coworker or asking your boss for a raise, remember that inequality is fueled by silence.