Equal Opportunity and Pay

Abstract

The question of whether or not females have equality with males in the labour market remains contentious. It is necessary to recognise that inequality is a concept with many facets. Firstly, there is the possibility of ‘pre-entry discrimination’, whereby females are denied equality of opportunity to enter some occupations and/or industries. Secondly, when a female has successfully gained employment she may face ‘post-entry discrimination’. One form of post-entry discrimination is a poorer reward package for female employees, i.e. lower pay, often accompanied by fewer holidays, less sick pay and pension rights, etc. Post-entry discrimination may also take the form of denial of equal opportunity for training and/or promotion.