A Critical Analysis of the Factors Affecting Gender Pay Gap

Abstract

Even after years of struggle for equality between men and women, there still exists a lot areas in our day to day life where men and women receive differential treatment, one such major issue plaguing our society is the Gender Pay Gap. This papers analyses the intricacies of this gap existing in a majority of the professions, and tries to enlighten the reader about the different factors that affects the gender pay gap. There is a common trend of blaming a misogynistic, patriarchal society for this differential wages and the whole reason for this gap is attributed to the discriminatory practices prevalent in society. The paper highlights its extent of truth and also discusses a variety of other factors which are often ignored or factors which the people aren’t aware about. The participation rate, working hours, importance of gender roles and choice are highlighted in the paper with respect to the prevailing gender pay gap. Th various laws passed by the legislation in India to address this problem and to eradicate the gender pay gap has been discussed with reference to foreign cases and legislations in foreign countries. The arguments advanced are backed by sound statistical data from various national and international surveys and articles and books written by gender experts around the world. The concept of ‘equality of opportunity’ and ‘equality of outcome has also been discussed with references to the concept of ‘equal pay for equal work’. The very problems of the very idea o ‘equal pay for equal work’ has been highlighted and a alternative concept of ‘equal pay for equal productivity’ has been discussed. Various examples of gender pay gap has been cited around the world and the factors affecting this gap has been extensively discussed. With the help of extensive research and exhaustive survey reports the prevalent myths related to the gender pay gap mainly occurring due to the univariate analysis of this grave topic has been revealed and a proper conclusion identifying the gross discrimination faced by women in different fields of work has been identified along with the plethora of other factors which affects the gender pay gap.

Keywords: Gender, Pay Gap, Equal Pay, Discrimination, Law

JEL Classification: J71, J82, J88, E24, A22