The Basics of Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination happens when someone is treated differently or unequally due to their gender. The mistreatment of a person due to their gender can be obvious or implied, and may happen more than once. Those who believe they have been the target of gender discrimination, often turn to an attorney for assistance. The information below details in which situations gender discrimination may arise, how it is so common in the workplace, and the accessibility for equal health coverage to all employees.
Where Gender Discrimination Can Transpire
Gender discrimination can happen in a multitude of settings. The most common scenarios where such unlawful treatment happens can include:
Education - when gender discrimination occurs in education, it usually involves reports of people being excluded/denied from educational institutions or opportunities due to their gender.
Employment - discrimination due to gender can happen during the interview process (when inappropriate gender-oriented questions are asked), or at some point during a worker’s employment.
Loans/Credit - if the decision to deny extending credit or approve a loan is based on a person’s gender, that is an example of gender discrimination.
Housing - gender discrimination in regards to housing can occur when there is a refusal to negotiate, imposing new contract terms, or denying a rental application due his or her gender.
The Most Common Place for Gender Discrimination
As the lawyers at Cohen & Cohen can explain, Incidents of gender discrimination can occur in any of the above listed scenarios. A person who experiences discrimination can suffer from unequal pay, a hostile work space and a significant reduction in their productivity. A few examples of gender bias at work are listed as follows:
- Gender Pay Inequality: when men and women are paid differently for the same job role and experience.
- Bias Interview Inquiries: where the interviewee is asked irrelevant gender-biased questions.
- Job Role Bias: when an employer frequently hires the same gender for certain positions, based on gender stereotypes.
- Gender Influenced Layoffs: when a worker is terminated due to being a male, female or pregnant.
- Lack of Repercussions for Sexual Harassment: supervisors who overlook complaints about sexual harassment, may be more likely to also overlook or even outright commit acts of gender discrimination.
The Necessity of Providing Equal Benefits
Many people may not be aware that gender bias can happen when it comes to the kind of benefits each gender receives. In the workplace, men and women must be able to access the same quality and amount of benefits. An employer is not permitted to make benefits accessible:
- For the husbands of women who are employed, which were not provided for the men at the company;
- For the wives of men who are employed, which was not provided for the women of the company;
- For wives and family of male workers, where equal benefits were not made accessible for husbands and family of female workers.
Many law firms can offer committed sex discrimination attorneys and strategic and compassionate services for those who have suffered from gender bias. A reputable law firm will believe in equality for all people and can help you with your situation.