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Read Item O below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 23 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 23
Read Item O below and answer the question that follows. Item O Despite the Equal Pay Act and other measures, women earn less on average than men do in the UK today.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item O below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 23 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Analyse how lower average earnings impact women's power
Answer
One significant way in which women may lack power is related to their lower average earnings compared to men. This disparity in income can create a cycle where women have less financial independence and autonomy. In the UK, the gap in earnings could hinder women's ability to assert themselves in the workplace, as they may feel pressured to accept suboptimal conditions or roles. This financial dependence can also limit their opportunities for promotions or career advancement, as employers may perceive them as less committed compared to their male counterparts who earn more.
Step 2
Analyse barriers to career advancement for women
Answer
Another crucial barrier that women face is related to discrimination in decision-making processes within organizations. Women might be overlooked for senior positions due to unconscious biases, leading to fewer women in executive roles. This lack of representation at higher levels of management creates a 'glass ceiling,' where women are unable to climb the corporate ladder despite their qualifications and ambitions. Consequently, this institutional bias reinforces gender stereotypes and limits women's influence and power in the UK workforce.