Diversity and Inclusion

Read the article by S. Miller @ SHRM (2018) “Family Obligations Widen Gender-Pay Gap, Research Suggests” via the following link:
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/compensation/pages/effect-of-choices-on-gender-wage-gap.aspx
After reflecting on the different viewpoints presented by the author, please comment on the following statements and questions:

1) Do you believe that there IS a gender pay-gap after personal choices? In other words, if the differences in take home pay that come from personal choices are taken away – number of hours worked, job intensity, seniority and personal preferences for overtime – is there still a gender pay-gap? This pay-gap would represent discrimination against women. If so, how big do you think this overall pay-gap is (give a %-age estimate), and support your stance?

2) Assume that there is no gender discrimination in pay (i.e., there is no true gender pay-gap), but that the difference in ultimate take home pay at the end of the year between men and women performing the same basic job is fully-accounted for by differences in personal choices – i.e., steering away from jobs with more night, weekend and holiday shifts, and last-minute work assignments; by taking jobs with more flexible hours at lower pay, etc. Suppose that this pay difference between men and women is about 15% of pay across all jobs. Is this a reasonable “cost” for women to pay that need/want these types of work situations? (Stated differently, is this 15% premium for workers who are willing/able to take on the less-desirable work situations described, about “right” ?)

3) When trying to estimate employer discrimination between men and women, would it be more appropriate to measure, not just pay, but all facets of a job situation in regard to a possible “gender total utility gap”? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to such a shift in perspective. N.B. It might be helpful to research the definition of utility in economics. Don’t get to deep here!
At least 1 additional reference must be one that you found from the literature, (Website submissions are allowed but, must be properly acknowledged per APA guidelines.) Give ALL references you cite proper credit for their ideas, even when using the ones I provided.
Don’t cite a reference that you feel is overly-biased as it diminishes the credibility.