Comparable worth, as a standard applied to eliminate inequities in pay, insists that the values of certain tasks performed in...
GMAT Reading Comprehension : (RC) Questions
Comparable worth, as a standard applied to eliminate inequities in pay, insists that the values of certain tasks performed in dissimilar jobs can be compared. In the last decade, this approach has become a critical social policy issue, as large numbers of private-sector firms and industries as well as federal, state, and local governmental entities have adopted comparable worth policies or begun to consider doing so.
This widespread institutional awareness of comparable worth indicates increased public awareness that pay inequities—that is, situations in which pay is not "fair" because it does not reflect the true value of a job—exist in the labor market.
However, the question still remains: have the gains already made in pay equity under comparable worth principles been of a precedent-setting nature or are they mostly transitory, a function of concessions made by employers to mislead female employees into believing that they have made long-term pay equity gains?
Comparable worth pay adjustments are indeed precedent-setting. Because of the principles driving them, other mandates that can be applied to reduce or eliminate unjustified pay gaps between male and female workers have not remedied perceived pay inequities satisfactorily for the litigants in cases in which men and women hold different jobs. But whenever comparable worth principles are applied to pay schedules, perceived unjustified pay differences are eliminated.
In this sense then, comparable worth is more comprehensive than other mandates, such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Neither compares tasks in dissimilar jobs (that is, jobs across occupational categories) in an effort to determine whether or not what is necessary to perform these tasks—know-how, problem-solving, and accountability—can be quantified in terms of its dollar value to the employer. Comparable worth, on the other hand, takes as its premise that certain tasks in dissimilar jobs may require a similar amount of training, effort, and skill; may carry similar responsibility; may be carried on in an environment having a similar impact upon the worker; and may have a similar dollar value to the employer.
According to the passage, which of the following is true of comparable worth as a policy?
1. Passage Analysis:
Progressive Passage Analysis
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Comparable worth, as a standard applied to eliminate inequities in pay, insists that the values of certain tasks performed in dissimilar jobs can be compared. | What it says: There's a concept called "comparable worth" that says we can compare the value of different types of jobs to make pay fair. What it does: Introduces the main concept and gives a basic definition Source/Type: Factual definition Connection to Previous Sentences: This is the opening sentence - establishes our foundation Visualization: Job A (Secretary): Filing, scheduling, phone calls Job B (Maintenance): Cleaning, repairs, equipment checks Comparable Worth says: We can compare these different jobs to see if pay is fair Reading Strategy Insight: This is a straightforward definition. Don't overthink it - the author is simply introducing the topic. What We Know So Far: Comparable worth compares different jobs for fair pay What We Don't Know Yet: How it works, whether it's effective, what the controversy is |
| In the last decade, this approach has become a critical social policy issue, as large numbers of private-sector firms and industries as well as federal, state, and local governmental entities have adopted comparable worth policies or begun to consider doing so. | What it says: Over the past 10 years, comparable worth has become very important, and many companies and government organizations are using it or thinking about using it. What it does: Shows the current importance and widespread adoption Source/Type: Factual observation about trends Connection to Previous Sentences: - Sentence 1 told us: What comparable worth is - NOW Sentence 2: Shows it's not just a theoretical concept - it's actually being used widely This builds on the definition by showing real-world relevance Visualization: Timeline: Last 10 years • Private companies: 500+ firms adopting policies • Government: Federal agencies, state governments, city councils all implementing Status: From unknown concept → Critical social policy issue Reading Strategy Insight: This sentence builds momentum. The author is establishing that this isn't just an academic topic - it matters in the real world. |
2. Question Analysis:
This is a straightforward factual question asking us to identify what is true about comparable worth as a policy according to the passage. We need to find information that is directly stated in the text, not inferred or interpreted.
Connecting to Our Passage Analysis:
From our analysis, several key facts about comparable worth policy emerge:
- The passage establishes in sentence 2 that "large numbers of private-sector firms and industries as well as federal, state, and local governmental entities have adopted comparable worth policies or begun to consider doing so"
- The author takes a clear position that comparable worth creates "precedent-setting" changes, not temporary ones
- The passage shows widespread adoption and institutional awareness, contradicting any suggestion of criticism or limited implementation
- The author argues that comparable worth is more effective than other mandates, suggesting success rather than failure
Prethinking:
Based on our passage analysis, the correct answer should reflect the factual information about comparable worth's implementation across different sectors. The passage clearly states that both private companies and government entities (federal, state, and local) have adopted these policies, making this a direct factual claim we can verify from the text.
Why It's Wrong:
- The passage states the opposite - that comparable worth succeeds where other approaches fail
- Specifically states that "whenever comparable worth principles are applied to pay schedules, perceived unjustified pay differences are eliminated"
- Contrasts comparable worth's success with other mandates that "have not remedied perceived pay inequities satisfactorily"
Common Student Mistakes:
- Did you confuse comparable worth with "other mandates" like the Equal Pay Act?
→ Reread sentences 6-7 carefully - the author says OTHER approaches fail, but comparable worth succeeds - Did you misread "perceived unjustified pay differences are eliminated" as meaning complaints weren't satisfied?
→ "Eliminated" means the problems were solved, which would satisfy complainants
Why It's Right:
- Directly stated in the passage with specific examples of both sectors
- Aligns with the passage's emphasis on widespread institutional adoption
- Supports the author's argument about comparable worth's growing importance
Key Evidence: "large numbers of private-sector firms and industries as well as federal, state, and local governmental entities have adopted comparable worth policies or begun to consider doing so"
Why It's Wrong:
- The passage presents comparable worth positively throughout
- Shows increasing adoption and institutional awareness, not criticism
- The author defends comparable worth against potential criticism about temporary gains
Common Student Mistakes:
- Did you interpret the question about "transitory gains" as widespread criticism?
→ That was a question the author raised only to defend against it - not evidence of actual criticism - Did you confuse the author presenting a counterargument with reporting actual criticism?
→ The author raises doubts only to refute them and prove comparable worth works
Why It's Wrong:
- The passage indicates widespread adoption, not limited implementation
- States that "large numbers" of both private and public entities have adopted policies
- The phrase "or begun to consider doing so" shows additional organizations beyond those that have already adopted
Common Student Mistakes:
- Did you focus only on "begun to consider" and ignore "have adopted"?
→ The passage mentions both adoption AND consideration - many have already implemented policies - Did you misinterpret "large numbers" as "very few"?
→ "Large numbers" directly contradicts "very few" - this shows significant implementation
Why It's Wrong:
- The author explicitly argues that gains are "precedent-setting," not transitory
- The entire second paragraph is dedicated to refuting the idea that gains are temporary
- Presents this as a question that has been resolved in favor of lasting change
Common Student Mistakes:
- Did you think the question the author raised represented the actual outcome?
→ The author posed this as a question only to answer it definitively - gains ARE precedent-setting - Did you miss the word "indeed" in the author's response?
→ "Indeed precedent-setting" is a strong affirmation that gains are real and lasting