Define Gender Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination is a type of gender discrimination

Gender discrimination, also called sex discrimination, is the practice of treating individuals differently because of their gender. Gender discrimination has historically been perceived as limiting the opportunities of women, but modern civil rights law also includes the protection of men.

History

In the 19th century, women in the United States often had to surrender their property to their husbands when they married; women could not vote and had limited opportunities to work or pursue their educations.

Civil Rights Legislation

The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote in 1920. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 banned employers from discriminating against employees on the ground of sex with respect to compensation. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination in employment on the basis of sex.

Effects

According to the National Organization for Women, large wage gaps still remain; in 2007, women earned only 78 cents for every dollar earned by men.

Misconceptions

Marital status discrimination and parental status discrimination are not prohibited by federal law, although many states have passed laws banning discrimination on these grounds.

Terminology

The term "glass ceiling" is often used to refer to the invisible, unofficial barrier preventing women or other disadvantaged groups from advancing to upper-level business positions.

References

• Workplace Fairness: Sex/Gender Discrimination
• Law Library: Gender Discrimination
• National Organization for Women: Women Deserve Equal Pay