Most women still work in female-dominated jobs and at lower wages than

Question

Most women still work in female-dominated jobs and at lower wages than men typically earn. This phenomenon puzzles supply-side economists, who believe that the demands of the marketplace and the play of self-interest dictate that all inequities in economic status engendered by discrimination must eventually disappear. One of their number, Solomon Polachek, has recently proposed a supply-side explanation for job segregation by gender that emphasizes the depreciation of human capital while one is on leave from work.

This theory posits that human beings are a form of capital: investments (such as education or job experience) increase market value and depreciation (such as unemployment or voluntary absence from work) decreases market value. Polachek argues, on the basis of this theory, that wage depreciation occurs if a person has lower real wages upon returning to employment than he or she had on quitting. In addition, Polachek asserts that some occupations entail greater risks of wage depreciation than others and that women, who are much more likely than men to plan intermittent full-time employment, may choose occupations with low depreciation penalties in order to maximize lifetime earnings. Since most men, on the other hand, plan continuous full-time employment, they can afford to choose occupations that demand consistent maintenance and improvement of skills. Thus, according to Polachek, differences in employment continuity lead to gender differences in the jobs chosen to maximize lifetime earnings, and hence gender segregation in the workplace is a product of rational pecuniary choices made by male and female workers.

Polachek’s thesis, though quite sophisticated, is not supported by empirical evidence. Contrary to Polachek’s prediction, women in predominantly male occupations suffer the same wage depreciation rates as women in predominantly female occupations. These findings tell us that for women the depreciation penalty—the amount by which real wages drop during periods away from employment—is no lower in female- than in male-dominated jobs. Nor, as some other economists have proposed, do female-dominated jobs have higher entry-level salaries, though much lower wage-appreciation rates, than male-dominated jobs. Thus, there is no economic advantage to women in choosing female-dominated jobs.

1 
 1. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A) An example is cited and elaborate to explain a new theory.
B) A puzzle is described, and two competing solutions are analyzed.
C) A theory is summarized and applied to a concrete situation, and data supporting it are presented.
D) A phenomenon is noted, an explanation is put forward, and the explanation is criticized.
E) An observation is confirmed and explained by the application of a new theory.

2 
 2. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the majority of female workers?

A) They are given raises as frequently as male workers are.
B) They are more interested in steady employment than male workers are.
C) They are laid off more often than male workers are.
D) They are uneasy about the possibility of wage depreciation.
E) They are employed in occupations dominated by women.

3 
 3. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

A) Polachek’s explanation of job segregation by gender does not adequately explain why women work predominantly in lower-paying, female-dominated jobs.
B) Human capital theory has been used by a number of supply-side economists, most notably Polachek, to explain job segregation by gender.
C) Recent empirical work indicates that wage depreciation occurs at roughly the same rates in male- and female-dominated jobs and that these jobs do not differ significantly in the entry-level salaries they offer.
D) New economic theories explaining job segregation by gender will eventually help employers to equalize the gender composition of their work forces.
E) There is little evidence to support the claim that individuals consciously choose occupations on the basis of maximizing lifetime earnings.

4 
 4. According to the passage, some economists have suggested that which of the following is a characteristic of female-dominated jobs as compared to male-dominated jobs?

A) They provide greater job security.
B) They pay higher starting salaries.
C) They require less preemployment training.
D) They have higher depreciation penalties.
E) They give leaves of absence more readily.

5 
 5. The primary function of the passage as a whole is to

(A) explain a puzzling phenomenon
(B) report on a current controversy
(C) describe and criticize an explanation 
(D) compare and contrast opposing sets of data
(E) introduce and defend a theory

6 
 6. In the discussion of Polachek's analysis of job segregation by gender, the author of the passage can best be described as

(A) respectful but unconvinced
(B) intrigued but disappointed
(C) puzzled and dismayed
(D) surprised and alarmed
(E) contemptuous and dismissive

7 
 7. It can be inferred from the passage that Polachek assumes which of the following about individuals who are about to make career decisions?

(A) They have trained themselves as well as possible for the careers they are about to enter.
(B) They have spent little time thinking about their long-term employment futures.
(C) They are aware of the depreciation penalties for the various jobs they are considering.
(D) They are attracted to those jobs that offer the highest entry-level wages.
(E) They will choose occupations on the basis of their interest in the kind of work being offered.

8 
 8. If wage differentials by gender were to persist, it can be inferred from the passage that supply-side economists like Polachek would be likely to draw which of the following conclusions?

(A) Wage depreciation has occurred even during short periods of unemployment
(B) Wage depreciation penalties continue to be uneven across occupations.
(C) Human-capital theory continues to apply to occupational choices of males but not to those of females.
(D) Gender stereotyping continues to have a strong effect on occupational choice.
(E) Individual self-interest continues to be over-ridden in planning employment continuity.

ID 16886

EMPOWERgmatVerbal · Accepted Answer

Most women still work in female-dominated jobs and at lower wages than men typically earn. This phenomenon puzzles supply-side economists, who believe that the demands of the marketplace and the play of self-interest dictate that all inequities in economic status engendered by discrimination must eventually disappear. One of their number, Solomon Polachek, has recently proposed a supply-side explanation for job segregation by gender that emphasizes the depreciation of human capital while one is on leave from work.

This theory posits that human beings are a form of capital: investments (such as education or job experience) increase market value and depreciation (such as unemployment or voluntary absence from work) decreases market value. Polachek argues, on the basis of this theory, that wage depreciation occurs if a person has lower real wages upon returning to employment than he or she had on quitting. In addition, Polachek asserts that some occupations entail greater risks of wage depreciation than others and that women, who are much more likely than men to plan intermittent full-time employment, may choose occupations with low depreciation penalties in order to maximize lifetime earnings. Since most men, on the other hand, plan continuous full-time employment, they can afford to choose occupations that demand consistent maintenance and improvement of skills. Thus, according to Polachek, differences in employment continuity lead to gender differences in the jobs chosen to maximize lifetime earnings, and hence gender segregation in the workplace is a product of rational pecuniary choices made by male and female workers.

Polachek’s thesis, though quite sophisticated, is not supported by empirical evidence. Contrary to Polachek’s prediction, women in predominantly male occupations suffer the same wage depreciation rates as women in predominantly female occupations. These findings tell us that for women the depreciation penalty—the amount by which real wages drop during periods away from employment—is no lower in female- than in male-dominated jobs. Nor, as some other economists have proposed, do female-dominated jobs have higher entry-level salaries, though much lower wage-appreciation rates, than male-dominated jobs. Thus, there is no economic advantage to women in choosing female-dominated jobs.

Breakdown of the passage:

Paragraph 1:  Sets up the problem - women often work in lower-paying, female-dominated jobs. Supply-side economists are puzzled by this. Polachek's theory on job segregation by gender is introduced.

Paragraph 2:  Polachek's theory is unpacked - the theory essentially says that employment continuity leads to the job segregation we see. Men and women choose different jobs due to different career continuity expectations.

Paragraph 3:  The rug gets pulled from under Polachek's feet! Evidence is shown that doesn't support his theory. Women, it seems, face similar wage depreciation in both male- and female-dominated jobs. And female-dominated jobs don't offer lower wage depreciation or higher starting salaries.

Overall Passage Summary:  Polachek's got a theory that he thinks explains why we see gender-based job segregation. It sounds decent at first, but the facts don't back him up. So, we're still left with the big question - why does this job segregation happen?

Question 1: Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
 
(A) An example is cited and elaborate to explain a new theory. 
This option is incorrect because there isn’t a specific example discussed in the passage. Instead, the passage debates a broad phenomenon and a theory explaining it.

(B) A puzzle is described, and two competing solutions are analyzed.
This option is incorrect because the passage does not describe two competing solutions, only one (Polachek’s theory) which is then criticized.

(C) A theory is summarized and applied to a concrete situation, and data supporting it are presented.
This option is incorrect because although Polachek's theory is summarized, no data supporting the theory is presented. Instead, data that refutes the theory is offered.

(D) A phenomenon is noted, an explanation is put forward, and the explanation is criticized.
This is the correct answer. The passage indeed notes the phenomenon of gender job segregation, presents Polachek's theory as an explanation, and then criticizes that explanation.

(E) An observation is confirmed and explained by the application of a new theory.
This option is incorrect because Polachek's theory doesn't confirm the observation; instead, it attempts to explain it but is then refuted by empirical data.

Question 2: According to the passage, which of the following is true of the majority of female workers?
 
(A) They are given raises as frequently as male workers are.
This is not mentioned in the passage, so we cannot select this option.

(B) They are more interested in steady employment than male workers are.
The passage actually suggests the opposite, implying that women are more likely to plan intermittent full-time employment. Hence, this option is incorrect.

(C) They are laid off more often than male workers are.
There is no mention in the passage about layoffs or their frequency, so this option can't be the right answer.

(D) They are uneasy about the possibility of wage depreciation.
While Polachek's theory suggests this, the passage does not provide any direct evidence that women feel uneasy about wage depreciation.

(E) They are employed in occupations dominated by women.
This is the correct answer. The passage states right at the beginning that most women work in female-dominated jobs.

Question 3: Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?
 
(A) Polachek’s explanation of job segregation by gender does not adequately explain why women work predominantly in lower-paying, female-dominated jobs.
This is the correct answer. The passage presents Polachek's theory and then criticizes it, noting that it fails to account for empirical evidence.

(B) Human capital theory has been used by a number of supply-side economists, most notably Polachek, to explain job segregation by gender.
This option is incorrect as it oversimplifies the argument presented in the passage and focuses too much on human capital theory. The main idea is more about critiquing Polachek's theory, not just explaining it.

(C) Recent empirical work indicates that wage depreciation occurs at roughly the same rates in male- and female-dominated jobs and that these jobs do not differ significantly in the entry-level salaries they offer.
While these facts are included in the passage, they're not the main idea. They are used to refute Polachek's theory, but they don't encapsulate the entire argument of the passage.

(D) New economic theories explaining job segregation by gender will eventually help employers to equalize the gender composition of their work forces.
The passage does not suggest that new economic theories will lead to equalization of gender composition. This option is not correct.

(E) There is little evidence to support the claim that individuals consciously choose occupations on the basis of maximizing lifetime earnings.
This is not the main idea of the passage. While it touches on the choice of occupation, the focus is on critiquing Polachek's explanation of job segregation by gender, not on the decision-making process of individuals.

Question 4: According to the passage, some economists have suggested that which of the following is a characteristic of female-dominated jobs as compared to male-dominated jobs?
 
(A) They provide greater job security.
This is not mentioned in the passage. The passage doesn't discuss job security in relation to female-dominated jobs, so we can eliminate this choice.

(B) They pay higher starting salaries.
This is the correct answer. The passage mentions that some economists have suggested that female-dominated jobs might have higher entry-level salaries, even though the passage later refutes this notion.

(C) They require less preemployment training.
The passage does not make this claim. There is no mention of the level of preemployment training required for different types of jobs.

(D) They have higher depreciation penalties.
This is not mentioned in the passage. Actually, it is stated that women in both female and male-dominated occupations suffer the same rates of wage depreciation.

(E) They give leaves of absence more readily.
This option is not supported by the passage. The issue of leaves of absence is not discussed in the context of female-dominated jobs.

Question 5: The primary function of the passage as a whole is to
 
(A) explain a puzzling phenomenon
This option isn't correct because the passage doesn't just explain the phenomenon; it critiques an explanation for the phenomenon.

(B) report on a current controversy
There isn't really a "controversy" discussed in the passage. It's more about an explanation and its criticism. So, this isn't the best choice.

(C) describe and criticize an explanation
This is the correct answer. The passage describes Polachek's explanation of job segregation by gender and then criticizes it based on empirical evidence.

(D) compare and contrast opposing sets of data
The passage doesn't compare and contrast data sets; it primarily provides a critique of an explanation, making this option incorrect.

(E) introduce and defend a theory
This is not correct because the passage does not defend Polachek's theory. Instead, it critiques it.

Question 6: In the discussion of Polachek's analysis of job segregation by gender, the author of the passage can best be described as
 
(A) respectful but unconvinced
This is the correct answer. The author presents Polachek's theory in a respectful manner, describing it as "quite sophisticated," but the author is clearly unconvinced, providing empirical evidence that contradicts the theory.

(B) intrigued but disappointed
The author doesn't express intrigue or disappointment, just a disagreement with the theory, making this option incorrect.

(C) puzzled and dismayed
There's no indication in the passage that the author is puzzled or dismayed, so we can eliminate this option.

(D) surprised and alarmed
The author doesn't express surprise or alarm in the passage. The tone is more of disagreement and critique, not shock.

(E) contemptuous and dismissive
This choice isn't accurate because while the author disagrees with Polachek's theory, the tone isn't contemptuous or dismissive. The author provides a reasoned critique.

Question 7: It can be inferred from the passage that Polachek assumes which of the following about individuals who are about to make career decisions?
 
(A) They have trained themselves as well as possible for the careers they are about to enter.
While this might be a fair assumption in some cases, the passage does not specifically mention anything about individuals training themselves for careers. Therefore, we cannot select this as the correct answer.

(B) They have spent little time thinking about their long-term employment futures.
Polachek's theory is based on individuals considering their long-term employment futures, including the depreciation of their skills, making this statement contradictory to what's presented in the passage. We can eliminate this option.

(C) They are aware of the depreciation penalties for the various jobs they are considering.
This is the correct answer. Polachek's theory assumes that individuals are aware of the risks of wage depreciation in their chosen occupations and make choices based on that awareness.

(D) They are attracted to those jobs that offer the highest entry-level wages.
While wage is definitely a factor in job selection, Polachek's theory emphasizes the consideration of wage depreciation more than the appeal of entry-level wages. Therefore, this choice is not the best fit.

(E) They will choose occupations on the basis of their interest in the kind of work being offered.
Polachek's theory is based on the premise that individuals make rational pecuniary choices, focusing on the economic aspect, not necessarily on their interest in the work. So, we can eliminate this option.

Question 8: If wage differentials by gender were to persist, it can be inferred from the passage that supply-side economists like Polachek would be likely to draw which of the following conclusions?
 
(A) Wage depreciation has occurred even during short periods of unemployment
This statement does not necessarily follow from the passage. The passage discusses wage depreciation in the context of leave from work, not specifically unemployment, so we cannot select this as the correct answer.

(B) Wage depreciation penalties continue to be uneven across occupations.
This is the correct answer. If wage differentials by gender persist, it might indicate to supply-side economists like Polachek that wage depreciation penalties differ across occupations, reinforcing his theory of individuals choosing jobs based on the risk of wage depreciation.

(C) Human-capital theory continues to apply to occupational choices of males but not to those of females.
This conclusion does not follow from the passage. Polachek's theory applies to both men and women, stating that their job selection differs based on different expectations of employment continuity.

(D) Gender stereotyping continues to have a strong effect on occupational choice.
Polachek's theory doesn't center on gender stereotyping, but rather on rational pecuniary choices made by individuals. Therefore, we can eliminate this option.

(E) Individual self-interest continues to be over-ridden in planning employment continuity.
This contradicts Polachek's theory which assumes that individuals are making rational pecuniary choices. Thus, we can eliminate this option.

Harsh2111s · Answer

VeritasKarishma   GMATNinja

As per below line from para 3 
"These findings tell us that for women the depreciation penalty—the amount by which real wages drop during periods away from employment—is no lower in female- than in male-dominated jobs.  Nor, as some other economists have proposed, do female-dominated jobs have higher entry-level salaries , though much lower wage-appreciation rates,  than male-dominated jobs"

This clearly eliminates option B .
How can it be correct ?

Harsh9676 · Answer

Hi  Harsh2111s

It seems like you misinterpreted either those lines from the passage or question stem.

The Question stem is asking what some scientists have suggested and the passage denies the suggestion of the scientists by stating that the wages are not higher at entry level.

Correct Interpretation:

Scientists said "Women get higher entry-level salaries" 
 Author Said "No its not true from the evidence of the study".

Hope it helps and give kudos if u like my explanation.

Thanks

Win2020 · Answer

1) Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

A) An example is cited and elaborate to explain a new theory.
B) A puzzle is described, and two competing solutions are analyzed.
C) A theory is summarized and applied to a concrete situation, and data supporting it are presented.
D) A phenomenon is noted, an explanation is put forward, and the explanation is criticized.
E) An observation is confirmed and explained by the application of a new theory.

Soln:
At first ,author talks about a phenomenon ( refer second sentence of first para..This phenomenon)- clearly states author is talking about phenomenon- why women work in female dominated jobs and at lower wages. 
Next author presents Solomon Polachek explanation or his theory to explain this phenomenon. Where Solomon Polachek says that difference in job continuity leads to gender difference in the job chosen by male and female worker.
LAst para - author presents drawback of Solomon Polachek theory by saying that its not supported by data.

Now if we check ans choices only ans choice D matches the outline of the passage.

so Correct ans is Choice D

2) According to the passage, which of the following is true of the majority of female workers?

A) They are given raises as frequently as male workers are.
B) They are more interested in steady employment than male workers are.
C) They are laid off more often than male workers are.
D) They are uneasy about the possibility of wage depreciation.
E) They are employed in occupations dominated by women.

Soln

"Most women still work in female-dominated jobs and at lower wages than men typically earn."
First sentence of the first para clearly states that it is true that most female work in female dominated jobs.

Using POE we can eliminate other choices.

Clearly Ans choice E is correct

3) Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Soln: Remember that Passage talks about a phenomenon- why women work in female dominated jobs and at lower wages than men.
Most part of the passage presents Polachek's explanation for this phenomenon. And later author criticize the explanation by saying that it is not supported by empirical evidence.

Lets check here each ans choice and use POE to arrive at best ans

A) Polachek’s explanation of job segregation by gender does not adequately explain why women work predominantly in lower-paying, female-dominated jobs.
 Looks good so lets keep it for now

B) Human capital theory has been used by a number of supply-side economists, most notably Polachek, to explain job segregation by gender.

- Passage talks about polachek's explanation using human capital theory .But main idea is nothing related to the use of this by number of economist and by polachek. 
So eliminate B

C) Recent empirical work indicates that wage depreciation occurs at roughly the same rates in male- and female-dominated jobs and that these jobs do not differ significantly in the entry-level salaries they offer.

Last paragraph talks about empirical evidence. But the main idea is not about what empirical work indicates. It just talks about a point mentioned in last para.
So eliminate choice C

D) New economic theories explaining job segregation by gender will eventually help employers to equalize the gender composition of their work forces.

There is no such discussion of new economic theories.

E) There is little evidence to support the claim that individuals consciously choose occupations on the basis of maximizing lifetime earnings.

"Thus, according to Polachek, differences in employment continuity lead to gender differences in the jobs chosen to maximize lifetime earnings, and hence gender segregation in the workplace is a product of rational pecuniary choices made by male and female workers".

PAssage does not support option E. So eliminate.

Ans choice A is correct ans

4) According to the passage, some economists have suggested that which of the following is a characteristic of female-dominated jobs as compared to male-dominated jobs?

A) They provide greater job security.
B) They pay higher starting salaries.
C) They require less pre employment training.
D) They have higher depreciation penalties.
E) They give leaves of absence more readily.

Refer the last para- "as some other economists have proposed, do female-dominated jobs have higher entry-level salaries, though much lower wage-appreciation rates, than male-dominated jobs"

Ans choice B- is correct ans. Rest of the ans choice can be easily eliminated

Hope that helps!

Ps1810 · Answer

Can anybody help with Question 8, I am unable to figure out what cue should I get from the passage, which leads me to the answer?
I guess this is how I got on with the question during analysis.

If wage differentials by gender were to persist, it can be inferred from the passage that supply-side economists like Polachek would be likely to draw which of the following conclusions?

(A) Wage depreciation has occurred even during short periods of unemployment - Timing of the unemployment was not discussed in the passage
(B) Wage depreciation penalties continue to be uneven across occupations.
(C) Human-capital theory continues to apply to occupational choices of males but not to those of females. - Only this is the option I was able to eleminate while doing in real time

(D) Gender stereotyping continues to have a strong effect on occupational choice. - According to passage, never was the gender stereotyping was an issue for occupational choice in the first place.
(E) Individual self-interest continues to be over-ridden in planning employment continuity. - Individual self-interest was not there in the first place

Let me know if I screwed it up somehwere

Thanks in Advance!!:)

(D) Gender stereotyping continues to have a strong effect on occupational choice. - According to passage, never was the gender stereotyping was an issue for occupational choice in the first place. (E) Individual self-interest continues to be over-ridden in planning employment continuity. - Individual self-interest was not there in the first place Let me know if I screwed it up somehwere Thanks in Advance!!:)

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The passage discusses the phenomenon of gender-based wage differentials and how supply-side economists have tried to explain it. Solomon Polachek, a supply-side economist, posits that women choose occupations with low depreciation penalties because they are more likely to plan intermittent full-time employment, while men plan continuous full-time employment. However, the passage notes that empirical evidence does not support this theory.

The question asks what conclusion supply-side economists like Polachek would draw if wage differentials by gender were to persist. From the passage, it is clear that Polachek believes that market forces and rational pecuniary choices made by male and female workers should eventually lead to the disappearance of inequities in economic status engendered by discrimination. Therefore, if gender-based wage differentials were to persist, it can be inferred that supply-side economists like Polachek would conclude that their theory is incorrect or incomplete and that other factors may be at play, such as discrimination or social biases.

Of the answer choices, option B is the closest to this inference. It states that wage depreciation penalties continue to be uneven across occupations, which implies that market forces and rational choices alone cannot explain gender-based wage differentials.

Therefore, the correct answer is (B).

Taulark1 · Answer

Sajjad1994 , for option E , doesn't the first paragraph mention that  play of self interest  will eventually lead to the disappearance of inequities in economic status engendered by discrimination ?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Option (E) states that individual self-interest continues to be over-ridden in planning employment continuity, which is not supported by the passage. The passage argues that gender differences in employment continuity lead to differences in the jobs chosen by men and women, and that women may choose occupations with low depreciation penalties in order to maximize lifetime earnings. This implies that both men and women make rational pecuniary choices based on their self-interest. Therefore, option (E) is not a likely conclusion that supply-side economists like Polachek would draw if wage differentials by gender were to persist.

Instead, the passage suggests that supply-side economists may draw the conclusion that wage depreciation penalties continue to be uneven across occupations (option B). This is because Polachek's theory emphasizes the role of depreciation of human capital in determining wage differentials, and the passage notes that women in predominantly male occupations suffer the same wage depreciation rates as women in predominantly female occupations, contrary to Polachek's prediction. This suggests that there may be other factors besides depreciation of human capital that contribute to wage differentials by gender, such as discrimination or societal expectations about gender roles in the workplace.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

2. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the majority of female workers?

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

The passage states that  "Most women still work in female-dominated jobs,"  indicating that the majority of female workers are employed in occupations where women are the majority. This suggests that there is a gender segregation in the workplace, with women tending to occupy jobs that are predominantly female.

The passage does not provide information to support  options (A), (B), (C), or (D) . There is no mention of the frequency of raises given to female workers compared to male workers, their interest in steady employment, the rate of layoffs, or their concerns about wage depreciation. Therefore, these options are not supported by the information provided in the passage.

Option (E) , on the other hand, aligns with the statement in the passage that women predominantly work in female-dominated jobs. This indicates that the majority of female workers are employed in occupations that are dominated by women.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Difficulty Level:   650

Explanation

A) Polachek’s explanation of job segregation by gender does not adequately explain why women work predominantly in lower-paying, female-dominated jobs.

This option accurately captures the main idea of the passage. It highlights that Polachek's theory, which focuses on depreciation of human capital during periods of leave, fails to explain why women tend to be concentrated in lower-paying, female-dominated jobs. The passage presents empirical evidence that contradicts Polachek's theory, indicating that wage depreciation occurs at similar rates in both male- and female-dominated jobs, debunking the notion that women consciously choose occupations based on maximizing lifetime earnings.

B) Human capital theory has been used by a number of supply-side economists, most notably Polachek, to explain job segregation by gender.

While this option mentions the use of human capital theory by economists, including Polachek, it does not capture the central theme of the passage. The focus of the passage is not solely on the application of human capital theory or its use by Polachek, but rather on the limitations and lack of empirical support for Polachek's specific explanation of job segregation by gender.

C) Recent empirical work indicates that wage depreciation occurs at roughly the same rates in male- and female-dominated jobs and that these jobs do not differ significantly in the entry-level salaries they offer.

This option accurately summarizes the findings presented in the passage. The passage discusses the empirical evidence that challenges Polachek's theory. It states that wage depreciation occurs at similar rates in both male- and female-dominated jobs, and there is no significant difference in entry-level salaries between these types of jobs. This contradicts Polachek's predictions and suggests that his explanation does not adequately account for the gender segregation in the workplace.

D) New economic theories explaining job segregation by gender will eventually help employers to equalize the gender composition of their workforces.

This option goes beyond the scope of the passage and introduces a speculative notion about the potential impact of new economic theories on equalizing gender composition in the workforce. The passage does not discuss any new economic theories or their potential effects on employers. Therefore, this option does not accurately capture the main idea of the passage.

E) There is little evidence to support the claim that individuals consciously choose occupations on the basis of maximizing lifetime earnings.

While the passage does challenge the notion that individuals consciously choose occupations based on maximizing lifetime earnings, this option does not encapsulate the main idea of the passage as a whole. The passage primarily focuses on the inadequacy of Polachek's explanation for job segregation by gender and the lack of empirical evidence supporting it, rather than broadly addressing the claim of conscious occupational choice for lifetime earnings maximization.

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

4. According to the passage, some economists have suggested that which of the following is a characteristic of female-dominated jobs as compared to male-dominated jobs?

Difficulty Level:   750

Explanation

A) They provide greater job security.

The passage does not specifically address the level of job security in female-dominated jobs compared to male-dominated jobs. The focus of the passage is on the theory of depreciation of human capital during periods of leave and its impact on wage depreciation. There is no mention or discussion about job security in relation to gender-dominated jobs. Therefore, this option is not supported by the information provided in the passage.

B) They pay higher starting salaries.

The passage mentions that some other economists have proposed that female-dominated jobs have higher entry-level salaries compared to male-dominated jobs. Although the passage also states that these jobs have lower wage-appreciation rates, it does suggest that female-dominated jobs may offer higher starting salaries. Therefore, this option is supported by the information provided in the passage.

C) They require less preemployment training.

The passage does not provide any information about the preemployment training requirements of female-dominated jobs versus male-dominated jobs. The focus of the passage is primarily on the theory of depreciation of human capital and its impact on wage depreciation. Since there is no discussion or mention of preemployment training, this option is not supported by the passage.

D) They have higher depreciation penalties.

The passage contradicts the notion that female-dominated jobs have higher depreciation penalties compared to male-dominated jobs. It states that women in both predominantly male and predominantly female occupations experience similar wage depreciation rates. This means that the depreciation penalty, or the drop in real wages during periods away from employment, is not higher in female-dominated jobs compared to male-dominated jobs. Therefore, this option is not supported by the information provided in the passage.

E) They give leaves of absence more readily.

The passage does not discuss or compare the willingness of female-dominated jobs and male-dominated jobs to grant leaves of absence. The main focus of the passage is on the theory of depreciation of human capital and its impact on wage depreciation, rather than the policies regarding leaves of absence. Therefore, this option is not supported by the passage.

In summary, the correct answer is B) They pay higher starting salaries, as the passage suggests that some economists have proposed that female-dominated jobs may have higher entry-level salaries compared to male-dominated jobs.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

8. If wage differentials by gender were to persist, it can be inferred from the passage that supply-side economists like Polachek would be likely to draw which of the following conclusions?

Difficulty Level:   750

Explanation

The passage discusses Solomon Polachek's supply-side explanation for job segregation by gender and his theory of human capital depreciation during periods of leave from work. Polachek argues that wage depreciation occurs when a person has lower real wages upon returning to employment compared to when they quit. He further suggests that some occupations have greater risks of wage depreciation than others, and women, who are more likely to plan intermittent full-time employment, may choose occupations with low depreciation penalties to maximize lifetime earnings.

However, the passage goes on to state that Polachek's theory is not supported by empirical evidence. It contradicts Polachek's prediction that women in predominantly male occupations suffer higher wage depreciation rates compared to women in predominantly female occupations. The passage concludes that the depreciation penalty, the amount by which real wages drop during periods away from employment, is no lower in female-dominated jobs compared to male-dominated jobs. Additionally, it states that female-dominated jobs do not have higher entry-level salaries or lower wage appreciation rates compared to male-dominated jobs.

Based on this information, it can be inferred that if wage differentials by gender were to persist, supply-side economists like Polachek would be likely to draw the conclusion that wage depreciation penalties continue to be uneven across occupations. The passage does not support the other options. It does not mention short periods of unemployment leading to wage depreciation (option A), human-capital theory applying differently to males and females (option C), gender stereotyping having a strong effect on occupational choice (option D), or individual self-interest being overridden in planning employment continuity (option E).

Answer: B

Aishna1034 · Answer

Sajjad1994 , can we please have the explanations for questions 6,7 as well?

Bunuel · Answer

Please check here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/most-women-s ... l#p3209496

Most women still work in female-dominated jobs and at lower wages than

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Most women still work in female-dominated jobs and at lower wages than

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