Women managers are still underpaid

Demonstrate the effects of structural discrimination, or hidden discrimination, in the labour market.

 

This article sheds light on why it is that even though formal discrimination between women and men in the workplace has been expunged from the statute books in most countries, there continues to be a wage differential between the sexes. This is attributed to a variety of factors, including lack of experience. The article mentions a dearth of skills at the most senior levels but also questions whether “the culture of a particular organisation is open to women.” The article mentions premiums of up to 30 percent being paid for getting top black executives in response to affirmative action, but does not mention similar premiums being paid for women. On the contrary they are seen as having insufficient experience. This suggests that affirmative action is much more of a driver for ending racial than for ending gender discrimination in South Africa.

 

If possible get the wages of the top ten businessmen and top ten businesswoman in your country, average these, and determine what the “gender gap” is. What is the reason for this difference? What do you understand as the difference between direct and indirect gender discrimination in the work place? Give some examples.  

Click here for additional training resources and information. Refer to fact sheet nine.