Jacobsen, J.P. (2012). Closing the gender gap: What would it take? Unpublished manuscript.

Instructions: For this project, you will need to read Jacobsen (2012) and answer the questions below. The project will require you to gather information from additional sources. Your answers should be specific, well-argued, and grounded in the available research where appropriate. Please be aware that I am familiar with this area of research. Thus, your answers need to be accurate (i.e., stream of conscientiousness writing, superficial, or incorrect answers will not receive high scores). Not all sources are of equal quality. I recommend that you use high-quality sources in your research.

Examples of high-quality sources: Academic journals, textbooks, practitioner-oriented journals, some popular press books, legal briefs.

1. What is the current state of the gender income gap? Historically, how does the current gap compare to that of previous decades? Your answer should be specific.

2. Although we typically focus on the income gap between men and women, Jacobsen notes that there is also a wealth gap between men and women in the U.S. Describe this wealth gap and potential reasons for its existence.

3. Jacobsen offers several explanations for why the gender income gap exists. In your own words, summarize her explanations. Your answer should summarize both the proposed reason for the income gap and the validity of the proposed reason.

4. One possible explanation that Jacobsen offers for the gender income gap is discrimination. Does discrimination against women contribute to the gender income gap? Whether you answer "yes" or "no" to this question, you need to provide a solid argument that is supported by outside sources. Keep in mind that while there may not be an absolutely "correct" or "incorrect" answer to this question, research in this area definitely addresses this issue. Your answer should be well-grounded in this area of research.

5. What can be done to close the gender gap? Your answer to this question should:

a. Summarize Jacobsen's suggestions.

b. Go beyond the reading and include three of your own suggestions. Explain why you think your suggestions would be effective in closing the gender pay gap. Your suggestions need to be realistic and grounded in the available research on this topic.