Final answer:
The primary rationale for the differences in prize money in professional golfing was found to be gender, which is part of broader employment discrimination issues that also involve institutional regulations and societal biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of pay in professional golfing concluded that the primary rationale for vast differences in prize money was related to gender. This is part of a broader issue of employment discrimination, where employers in various sectors, including sports, may pay workers differently due to characteristics such as race or gender, despite having the same economic characteristics like education, experience, and skill. Factors such as gender stereotypes, historical choices in education, and career paths that are influenced by systemic biases play a role. However, it is also noted that the presence of institutional regulations and incentives for equality, like the Equal Pay Act, help combat these disparities, though gaps still persist, suggesting that current measures might not be fully effective in eliminating discrimination.