Lab #3: Wage Inequities

In this lab, you will use linear functions to make sense of unfair and unequal pay. Historically, women and other marginalized groups have been compensated less than their counterparts for the same work and, at times, for more work. For example, in Georgia, Black women earn an average of 63 cents for every dollar earned by their white male counterparts (Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, 2019). In addition to this gap, some Georgia hourly workers are legally compensated at different minimum wage rates ($5.15 vs.$7.25) based on the Fair Labor Standards Act (U.S. air Labor Standards Act, n.d.).

After considering the legal implications of unfair and unequal pay in your state, you will consider a case study of two friends to help you think about income inequity and, more generally, impoverishment.

You can access the full lab here.