Question

The issue of the wage gap between the sexes has been discussed for decades, and pay equity legislation is supposed to take care of it. However, Statistics Canada reports that there is still a gap of about 10 percent in average salaries across jobs and provinces. It has been argued that women will never achieve pay equity, because their role in society often requires them to interrupt a career, have children, and stay home to bring them up. How ethical is it to expect women to make this sacrifice and then pay for it in terms of lower average compensation?

Answer 1

The gender wage gap is an ethical issue that raises concerns about the societal expectations for women to balance domestic responsibilities and careers, only to suffer financially. Persistent disparities in pay exist despite legislation such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 protecting against wage discrimination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ethical Considerations of the Gender Wage Gap

The perennial issue of the gender wage gap raises significant ethical concerns regarding the expectations placed on women in society and the workforce. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 mandated equal wages for men and women engaging in similar work; nevertheless, a persistent disparity in pay exists. Women generally earn less than their male counterparts, with factors such as childbearing and household duties contributing to this discrepancy. The concept of 'motherhood penalty' contrasts sharply with the 'fatherhood bonus,' as women are often compensated less after having children, while men may receive a wage increase. This difference can be more pronounced among women in authoritative positions and those with interrupted careers due to family commitments. Consequently, ethical debates arise concerning the fairness of expecting women to balance traditional domestic roles against career aspirations, only to face financial penalties as a result.