Question

In the United States, the current wage gap between men and women is about 20%, meaning that for every dollar men earn, women only earn about 80 cents. In spite of decades of activism and gains in women's wages, the issue has yet to be resolved; there is even some evidence that progress in closing the wage gap has recently slowed down. In order to address this persistent issue, some have proposed solutions such as salary transparency, while others call for new ways of approaching the problem.
Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source.Then synthesize material from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-written essay in which you develop your position on the most important changes that can be made to promote pay equality,
• Source A (Elsesser)
• Source B (chart)
Source C (Oelz)
Source D (Gaag)
Source E (Wingfield)
Source F (table)
In your response you should do the following:
• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that may establish a line of reasoning.
• Provide evidence from at least 3 of the provided sources to support your thesis. Indicate
clearly the sources used through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. Sources may
be cited as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses.
Explain the relationship between the evidence and your thesis.
Demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical situation.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

Answer 1

The current wage gap between men and women in the United States is about 20%. In spite of decades of activism and gains in women's wages, the issue has yet to be resolved; there is even some evidence that progress in closing the wage gap has recently slowed down. In order to address this persistent issue, some have proposed solutions such as salary transparency, while others call for new ways of approaching the problem.

One proposed solution is salary transparency. Source A argues that salary transparency is a key step in addressing the wage gap. Elsesser cites a study which found that women in male-dominated fields are paid less than their male counterparts, even when controlling for experience and education. She argues that the only way to address this issue is to make salaries transparent, so that women can negotiate for equal pay.

Another proposed solution is to address the issue at its root cause. Source D argues that the root cause of the wage gap is gender discrimination. Gaag cites a study which found that women are less likely to be hired for jobs that are considered to be "male" jobs, and that they are also paid less when they are hired for these jobs. She argues that the only way to address the wage gap is to address discrimination against women.

The most important change that can be made to promote pay equality is to address discrimination against women. Discrimination against women is the root cause of the wage gap, and it is the only way to address the issue at its source. Gaag's study shows that women are less likely to be hired for jobs that are considered to be "male" jobs, and that they are also paid less when they are hired for these jobs. The only way to address the wage gap is to address discrimination against women.