Question

The gender pay gap in India is attributed to which of the following factors?

• A. Higher educational qualifications of women
• B. Increased demand for female labor
• C. Discrimination in hiring, occupational segregation, and lack of leadership representation
• D. Government subsidies for male employees

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Discrimination in hiring, occupational segregation, and lack of leadership representation

Factors Contributing to the Gender Pay Gap in India:

• Discrimination in Hiring:

  • Often, women face implicit or explicit bias during the recruitment process, leading to lower starting salaries compared to male counterparts with similar qualifications.

  • This can manifest as assumptions about career commitment due to family responsibilities or perceived lower productivity.

• Occupational Segregation:

  • There's a tendency for women to be concentrated in lower-paying sectors and occupations, such as caregiving, education, and garment manufacturing, while men dominate higher-paying fields like technology, engineering, and finance.

  • This segregation is often reinforced by societal norms and educational choices influenced by gender stereotypes.

  • Example: Jobs traditionally considered 'feminine' often receive lower remuneration despite requiring significant skill and effort.

• Lack of Leadership Representation:

  • Women are significantly underrepresented in senior management and leadership positions across most industries.

  • Promotions and opportunities for advancement may be biased, limiting women's access to higher-paying roles and decision-making power.

  • The 'glass ceiling' phenomenon, where invisible barriers prevent women from reaching top positions, plays a crucial role.

  • Data Point: Studies often indicate a substantial drop in the proportion of women as one moves up the corporate ladder.

• Other Contributing Factors (Often Interconnected):

  • Unpaid Care Work Burden: Women disproportionately shoulder domestic chores and childcare responsibilities, which can lead to career interruptions, reduced working hours, and slower career progression.

  • Skills and Education Disparities: While improving, historical and ongoing barriers can sometimes lead to disparities in access to certain types of vocational training or higher education crucial for high-paying jobs.

  • Societal Norms and Stereotypes: Deep-rooted societal beliefs about gender roles influence career choices, negotiation power, and employer perceptions.