Some people believe the unexplained pay gap is caused by discrimination and stereotypes in the workplace. Discrimination can influence what women choose to study in school, the industry or occupation that they choose to work in, the likelihood of a promotion or a raise, and even the chances that they stay working in their chosen profession. Certain stereotypes about women as mothers or caregivers can mean they are less likely to be hired, perceived as incompetent, or paid less than their male colleagues with the same qualifications. Mothers can also suffer from discrimination based on sex and care-giving responsibilities. African American women can additionally suffer from discrimination based on sex and race. Gender discrimination may even affect the workplace. For example, a woman employee does the same job as her male coworker but she does not get equally rewarded for her work. Often this leads to tension in the work atmosphere. The woman might be offended by the difference in pay, and the male coworker might feel uncomfortable even though he is not responsible for the unequal treatment. Employees are less likely to want to work together as a team when some of the workers are not treated with the same respect and consideration as others because they are of the opposite sex. Gender discrimination may also cause the woman to seek employment from another company where she feels she will be treated equally, which causes the former company to lose valuable assets. Stereotypes, gender bias, discrimination, harassment and a lack of female mentors often discourage women from entering fields that are dominated by men.
Women and their families experience extensive consequences due to the pay gap. Even if a woman receives a degree at college and then works full time, she will still earn less than what her male coworkers earn. Since women make less money than their male coworkers, women have limited choices.
