The Gender Pay Gap

Abstract

The Gender Pay Gap allows students to apply secondary research analysis skills by looking at data from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using Table 39: Median weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary workers by detailed occupation and sex, students will investigate the differences in weekly earnings between men and...

Download this resource to see full details. Download this resource to see full details.

Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

I have students get into small groups of three to four students. I provide them with a blank table to fill out based off Table 39: Median weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary workers by detailed occupation and sex (see attached file). After all groups complete the table I ask each group to share with the entire class the answers to one occupation....

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will learn the pay gap between men and women by occupation.
2. Students will learn disadvantages of using secondary data sources.
3. Students will analyze data and explain sociological reasons for pay differences.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will fill out a table based on The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics data. They will note which occupations are male or female dominated, the average weekly pay difference, and if men or women tend to earn more per week.
2. Ask students through class discussion questions to describe any disadvantages from using government collected secondary data in comparison to other research methods.
3. Students should describe sociological reasons for pay differences in class discussions or through a written reflection. Instructor wraps up assessment through a discussion of reasons for the pay gap such as the mothering penalty.