The Causes and Consequences of the Gender Wage Gap

Abstract

Statistical evidence demonstrates that women continue to earn less than men in Canada and in all countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2012). The gap between what men and women earn is referred to as the gender wage gap (Cool, 2010). There is a need to raise awareness about the gender wage gap in order to motivate people, including policy makers and corporations to take action to close it. Several possible causes and consequences of the gender wage gap are identified and explore in this thesis and strategies to narrow the gender wage gap are considered. Exploring ways to develop, retain, and advance female leaders may assist in narrowing the gender wage gap. Counsellors need to be aware of the existence and effects of the gender wage gap on clients seeking to advance their careers to higher levels and who are facing barriers. Corporate women aspiring to senior leadership positions may benefit from increasing awareness of approaches to overcome barriers and obstacles. Finally, policy makers seeking to encourage corporate leaders to groom, retain, and reap the benefits of qualified women in leadership are offered diversified scenarios for success.