Final answer:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, including Title VII, makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on gender, addressing the student's question. It is the most comprehensive anti-discrimination act, preceded by the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which ensures equal pay for equal work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laws designed to reduce discrimination in the workforce play a significant role in creating a fair labor market. Among these, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the most comprehensive, making it illegal for employers to practice sexism or any discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, or national origin. Specifically, Title VII of this act prevents employment discrimination with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
Another important legislation is the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which mandates that men and women who perform equal work must be paid equally by employers. These public policies are crucial steps toward reducing workplace discrimination, although the complete elimination of discrimination requires more than just legislation, as societal patterns also play a significant role.