A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What does the term "gender pay gap" refer to in feminist theory?

1. The difference in wages between men and women

2. The equal distribution of household labor

3. The number of women in leadership roles

4. The prevalence of women in part-time work

The correct answer is: The difference in wages between men and women

The term "gender pay gap" in feminist theory refers specifically to the difference in wages between men and women. This concept highlights the economic disparities that exist in the labor market, where women, on average, earn less than their male counterparts for similar work or roles. This gap is often attributed to various factors, including discrimination, differences in industries and occupations, and the undervaluation of work typically performed by women. Understanding the gender pay gap is crucial in feminist theory because it encapsulates broader issues of inequality and social justice. It reflects how societal structures and cultural norms can perpetuate economic disadvantage for women, thereby influencing their social status, independence, and access to resources. Feminist theorists argue that addressing the gender pay gap is an essential step toward achieving gender equality in society. The other options, while related to gender and labor, do not encapsulate the definition of the gender pay gap as directly. For instance, the equal distribution of household labor pertains to domestic responsibilities rather than direct wages, while the representation of women in leadership roles or their prevalence in part-time work speaks to different dimensions of gender inequality rather than the specific issue of wage disparity.