Gender discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee differently because of their gender. Gender discrimination is also known as sex discrimination. Gender discrimination is prohibited under federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) and Illinois law (the Illinois Human Rights Act).
Examples of Gender Discrimination
One example of gender discrimination is when an employer terminates an employee on account of their gender. There are many other common examples of gender discrimination, often involving discrimination against women in the workplace. These include: (1) the failure to hire women for certain positions that are often misperceived as “male positions,” (2) the promotion of men and the failure to promote women to managerial positions or positions of power or leadership within an organization (commonly referred to as the “glass ceiling),” (3) unequal pay or benefits for the same work, and (4) employment decisions based upon gender stereotypes. Gender discrimination frequently involves the application of different standards to women and men based upon misconceived notions of traditional roles for women and men at home and in the workplace.