Our society has come a long way in terms of gender equality. We used to live in a country where it was the norm for women to not have a say in many different areas of their lives, especially in the workplace. While it is true that we have made visible progress, that does not mean that there are no longer issues based on gender discrimination. In fact, gender-based discrimination is still a serious problem in many different workplaces.
What Is Workplace Gender Discrimination?
It is important to have an understanding of what exactly constitutes gender discrimination in the workplace. Essentially, gender discrimination in the workplace is when an employee is mistreated based on their sex, gender, or sexual orientation. Sometimes there are other components that intersect with gender discrimination in the workplace, such as race or age. These employees may face additional discrimination or mistreatment from their employers.
What Are Current Examples Of Gender Discrimination?
Now that we have reviewed what gender discrimination is, it is important to know how this occurs in the workplace today. According to the Pew Research Center, four in ten women in the United States still experience workplace discrimination, and this is how it may occur:
Refusal To Hire
An employer may refuse to hire individuals of a certain gender or sexual orientation altogether. They may also choose to only give these individuals certain positions and deny them to others.
Different Standards
Another type of discrimination is holding employees of a certain gender or sexuality to different standards than their colleagues. For example, a woman may face harsher critiques than her male counterparts if they act in more “masculine” ways.
Pay Differences
Perhaps one of the more commonly known forms of gender discrimination is pay gaps between genders or sexualities in a workplace. Sometimes, a less qualified individual will apply and get the same position and receive higher pay, while a more qualified person of a certain gender will receive less pay. In a similar vein, individuals may also be denied raises and promotions based on their gender or sexual orientation.
General Mistreatment
Another form of discrimination that individuals may face is general mistreatment from their employer or colleagues. For example, a colleague may make unwanted advances, comments, or even harass an individual based on their gender identity.
What To Do Next?
If you have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace, it is vital to take action. While it is true that not all discrimination is intentional or obvious to others, you can still take appropriate action against your employer. The team at is ready to review your case and take the best next steps.
Gender discrimination is a serious issue. If you are experiencing this, contact the team at Michel | King today for a consultation.