gender studies

pay gap

Difference in average earnings between groups (especially men vs. women), caused by structural inequality, job differences, and discrimination—not just unequal pay for the same job

motherhood penalty

Women experience lower wages, fewer promotions, and negative assumptions about commitment after having children

fatherhood premium

Men often receive higher pay and are viewed as more stable and committed after becoming fathers

glass ceiling

Invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from reaching top leadership positions despite qualifications

glass cliff

Women and minorities are more likely to be placed in leadership roles during crises where failure is more likely

glass escalator

Men in female-dominated jobs are promoted faster and pushed into higher positions

environmental racism

Communities of color are disproportionately exposed to pollution, toxic waste, and unsafe environmental conditions

neoliberalism

Belief system emphasizing individual responsibility, free markets, and limited government, often ignoring structural inequalities

chosen family

Non-biological relationships that provide emotional and social support, especially common in LGBTQ+ communities

job feminization

Process where jobs become associated with women and tend to decrease in pay and status over time

sex segregation

Separation of men and women into different types of jobs or roles

sex stratification

Unequal distribution of power, pay, and status between genders

recolonization

Process where previously colonized regions become controlled again economically or politically by more powerful nations or systems