B2 – Upper Intermediate
The gender pay gap remains a widely discussed issue in modern societies, highlighting differences in earnings between men and women across various industries and roles. Despite long-standing principles of equal pay, disparities still exist, reflecting broader patterns of inequality in the workplace and beyond.
Understanding this issue requires looking beyond simple wage comparisons and examining the social, economic, and structural factors that influence employment opportunities and career progression. By exploring its causes and impacts, discussions about the gender pay gap can help promote fairer policies and more inclusive work environments.
Read the article to know the definition, facts and causes of gender pay gap.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “marginal” mean in this sentence? “The gender pay gap stubbornly persists, with only marginal improvements being achieved in recent years.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “gross hourly earning” mean? “The gender pay gap is the difference in average gross hourly earnings between women and men.” Construct a sentence featuring this phrase. Give a synonym.
- What does “over-representation” mean? “About a quarter of the total gender pay gap can be explained by an over-representation of women in relatively low-paying sectors, such as care, health or education.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think the gender pay gap exists in your country? Why or why not?
- How do career choices affect the gender pay gap?
- Do you think taking career breaks impacts a person’s salary? How?
- Should companies be required to disclose employees’ salaries? Why or why not?
- What changes would you suggest to reduce the gender pay gap?