The Negative Effects of Gender Discrimination

The Effects of Discrimination Based on Sex

According to research conducted by Lean In, 73% of women still experience conduct that would be considered bias in the workplace, but less than a third recognize it when it happens. Despite the Supreme Court ruling that the Civil Rights Act covers gender discrimination, millions of women still face bias.  Even with the Equal Pay Act passed over 50 years ago, yet pay gaps and workplace discrimination remain.

Many feel they are being denied promotions and raises. They feel bosses and coworkers mistreat them. They also feel they are not treated the same as male coworkers, and they believe this is because of their gender.

These work conditions would understandably hurt the minds of any woman who has had to work while experiencing gender discrimination. Learn more about the negative effects of gender discrimination with the help of the gender discrimination attorneys at Barrett & Farahany.

If you have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace, do not hesitate to contact us for help.

What Is Gender Discrimination?

Gender discrimination is unfair treatment based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It can also be known as sex-based discrimination. Gender discrimination may include, but is not limited to:

• Denied promotions and pay raises
• Requests for sexual favors
• Sexual harassment or unwelcome sexual advances

All three forms of gender discrimination can have a direct impact on gender imbalance in a workplace. While most gender discrimination is commonly directed toward women, anyone can be discriminated against based on sex.

How Gender Discrimination Affects the Workplace

Gender discrimination includes one or all the following issues in the workplace:

• Lost Productivity: If employees have to focus on dealing with sexual harassment, they are not able to pay as much attention to their work as they normally would. This kind of behavior can be distracting as it happens, and for periods of time afterward, as victims try to avoid being in a similar situation again.
• High Employee Turnover: Hostile work environments are known to lead to a high employee turnover rate. When there are few experienced employees, productivity and quality of work go down. This is because employees who do not leave become overburdened or distracted by having to train replacement employees, and those replacement employees are not going to meet the success rate of employees with more experience.
• Damaged Morale: A hostile work environment can lower the morale of those directly affected, which can also lead to widespread discontent throughout the workplace. Who wants to come to a workplace where people are being harassed? Who wants to come to a workplace where everyone is constantly leaving? This can severely damage morale.

Damage from gender discrimination can also extend to personal relationships and reputation. This is especially true when sexual harassment is the issue. This can even lead to mental or physical problems in the victim, which can lead to every previously stated problem growing far worse.

How Gender Discrimination Affects Employee Pay?

Gender discrimination significantly impacts employee pay, often resulting in a persistent gender pay gap. Here are some key ways it manifests:

1. Unequal Pay for Equal Work: Women are frequently paid less than men for performing the same job with similar qualifications and experience. This disparity is often due to biases in salary negotiations, performance evaluations, or pay-setting practices.
2. Occupational Segregation: Gender discrimination can lead to occupational segregation, where women are overrepresented in lower-paying industries or roles (e.g., caregiving, education) and underrepresented in higher-paying fields (e.g., technology, finance).
3. Limited Advancement Opportunities: Women may face barriers to promotions and leadership roles, often referred to as the “glass ceiling.” This limits their earning potential over time compared to their male counterparts.
4. Bias in Performance Evaluations: Gender stereotypes can influence how performance is assessed, with women often being undervalued or overlooked for raises and bonuses.
5. Motherhood Penalty: Women who take time off for caregiving or have flexible work arrangements may face reduced pay or slower career progression, while men often do not experience similar penalties.
6. Lack of Pay Transparency: In workplaces where salaries are not openly discussed, discriminatory pay practices can go unnoticed and unchallenged.

Addressing these issues requires systemic changes, such as enforcing equal pay laws, promoting pay transparency, and implementing unbiased hiring and evaluation processes.

What Can Be Done About Gender Discrimination?

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can help. The EEOC assists employees facing gender discrimination in several ways:

1. Filing a Charge: Employees can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. This is the first step in the process of addressing workplace discrimination legally.
2. Investigation: Once a charge is filed, the EEOC investigates the complaint. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess whether there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred.
3. Mediation and Settlement: The EEOC may offer mediation as a way to resolve the issue without going to court. This is a voluntary process where both parties try to settle.
4. Legal Action: If the EEOC finds evidence of discrimination and cannot reach a settlement, they may file a lawsuit on behalf of the employee. Alternatively, they may issue a “right to sue” letter, allowing the employee to file a lawsuit independently.
5. Guidance and Resources: The EEOC provides guidance on rights and responsibilities under anti-discrimination laws, helping employees understand their rights and the steps they can take.

These steps are designed to protect employees and ensure a fair and equitable workplace.

Contact Barrett & Farahany If You Have Suffered Discrimination Based on Your Gender or Sexual Orientation

Gender discrimination in the workplace is something no one should have to endure. There are many negative effects of gender imbalance in the workplace. If you or someone you know has faced discrimination at their place of employment, it is important to take action immediately. Report the discrimination to your employer’s human resources department in writing and keep a copy for your own records.

If no action is taken after reporting, or if you face any retaliation for having reported, contact the employment attorneys at Barrett & Farahany at (404) 238-7299.