gender gap

gender gap

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Pronunciation

IPA Phonetic Spelling and Syllable Breakdown:

Gender gap

• IPA: /ˈdʒɛndər ɡæp/

• Syllable Breakdown:

• Gen-: /dʒɛn/ (as in "gen" in "general")

• -der: /dər/ (as in "der" in "leader")

• Gap: /ɡæp/ (as in "gap")

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Word Form Variations

"Gender gap" is a compound noun.

• Noun:

• Singular: gender gap

• Plural: gender gaps

• Adjective: (when used attributively) gender-gap (e.g., "gender-gap issues")

• No common verb or adverb forms for the term itself. (The underlying concept is about differences, not an action.)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

Gender gap (noun)

1. A significant disparity or difference between men and women in terms of status, opportunities, attitudes, or achievements, especially in social, economic, political, or educational spheres. This disparity often indicates an imbalance in power or access to resources.

• Synonyms: Gender disparity, gender inequality, gender divide, sex differential, gender imbalance

• Antonyms: Gender equality, gender parity, gender balance, equal opportunity

Adjective (attributive use)

Gender-gap (adjective - typically hyphenated when modifying a noun)

1. Relating to or characterized by a disparity between genders.

• Synonyms: Gender-based (in terms of difference), unequal (in terms of gender), discriminatory (in context)

• Antonyms: Gender-equal, equitable, non-discriminatory

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "The book thoroughly examines the persistent gender gap in STEM fields, exploring both systemic barriers and cultural influences." (From Unlocking Potential: Addressing Gender Disparities in Science, 2023)

• "Chapter 3 presents statistical data illustrating the global gender gap in political representation, comparing parliaments worldwide." (From Women in Power: A Global Perspective, 2022)

• "Despite advancements, a significant gender gap in leadership roles remains a key challenge for corporations worldwide." (From The Future of Work: Inclusion and Diversity, 2024)

Newspapers:

• "New report highlights widening gender gap in digital literacy across rural areas of Kenya, affecting economic opportunities." (The Daily Nation, Nairobi, July 4, 2025)

• "Economists are debating the most effective policies to close the gender gap in wages, a persistent issue in many developed nations." (The Wall Street Journal, New York, June 20, 2025)

• "Editorial: Addressing the persistent gender gap in education is crucial for sustainable development goals in Africa." (The East African, Nairobi, May 15, 2025)

Online Publications:

• "Article title: 'Mind the gender gap: Why women still earn less than men.'" (Forbes.com, "Business & Careers," June 28, 2025)

• "Infographic: 'The global gender gap report 2025: Key findings and trends.'" (World Economic Forum, "Gender Parity," May 1, 2025)

• "Blog post: 'Closing the gender gap in tech: Practical steps for companies.'" (TechCrunch.com, "Diversity in Tech," April 10, 2025)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• TV Shows (Documentary Series): "One episode focused on the systemic issues contributing to the gender gap in professional sports, from pay to media coverage." (Broken Ceilings: Stories of Inequality, 2024)

• Podcasts (Social Issues/Economics): "Today's guest, a labor economist, discusses her latest research on the drivers of the gender gap in retirement savings." (The Unbiased Economic Review, Episode 75, July 1, 2025)

• Fiction (e.g., character background or thematic element): "The protagonist, a young female engineer, constantly battled the subtle prejudices that perpetuated the gender gap in her male-dominated industry." (Plot element in a contemporary novel or film script.)

• News Analysis (on TV/Radio): "Analysts discussed recent statistics on the gender gap in voting patterns, and what it might mean for the upcoming election." (News segment on CNN or BBC.)

General Public Discourse:

• "My company is finally taking steps to address the gender gap in leadership positions, which is long overdue." (Employee discussing workplace changes)

• "I read an article about the gender gap in venture capital funding; it's still incredibly difficult for women entrepreneurs." (Conversation among business professionals)

• "Kids today seem much more aware of the gender gap than we were growing up; they're pushing for equality in everything." (Parent observing changes in youth attitudes)

• "Closing the gender gap in education is vital for our country's future development, especially in rural areas." (Public statement by a government official in Kenya)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Gender Gap

1. "The gender gap in leadership is not a pipeline problem; it's a 'sticky floor' and a 'glass ceiling' problem." (Sheryl Sandberg, paraphrased, reflecting themes from Lean In)

2. "Closing the gender gap is not just about fairness; it's smart economics." (Christine Lagarde, often quoted on economic benefits of equality)

3. "Until we address the systemic issues, the gender gap in pay will continue to be a stain on our progress." (Original quote, emphasizing systemic causes.)

4. "Education is a powerful tool to bridge the gender gap, especially in developing nations." (Original quote, highlighting a solution.)

5. "We cannot truly innovate if half of our population is held back by a persistent gender gap in opportunity." (Original quote, linking inequality to innovation.)

6. "The most insidious aspect of the gender gap is often its invisibility to those who benefit from it." (Original quote, on unawareness of privilege.)

7. "Mind the gender gap – it's a chasm we've been trying to leap for centuries." (Original metaphorical quote.)

8. "Data consistently shows a gender gap in political representation, signaling a deficit in democratic participation." (Original quote, on political implications.)

9. "Every effort to promote diversity and inclusion is a step towards narrowing the gender gap." (Original quote, linking to D&I efforts.)

10. "The persistent gender gap in tech jobs reminds us that progress is not automatic; it requires deliberate action." (Original quote, focusing on a specific industry.)

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Etymology

The term "gender gap" is a modern compound noun that clearly describes a specific type of difference. It's formed from two distinct words:

• "Gender": This comes from the Old French "gendre" and Latin "genus," meaning "kind, sort, or type." In modern English, it refers to the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and identities of men and women, distinct from biological sex.

• "Gap": This word comes from Old Norse "gap," meaning an opening or a breach. In English, it refers to a space or a difference between two things.

So, "gender gap" literally means a difference or disparity between genders.

The first known use of the specific phrase "gender gap" in a prominent social or political context began to appear in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While discussions about differences between men and women, and inequalities, had existed for centuries (often using terms like "sex discrimination" or "women's issues"), "gender gap" became a specific analytical term.

It gained particular prominence in U.S. political science in the early 1980s to describe the distinguishable difference in voting patterns between men and women. For instance, women might have been more likely to vote for a particular candidate or party than men. From there, its meaning broadened to describe any significant statistical difference or disparity between men and women in various areas, such as wages, education, health, or representation in leadership.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Gender Gap

1. "Closing the gender gap": A very common phrase referring to efforts to reduce disparities between genders.

2. "Mind the gender gap": A playful or cautionary phrase urging awareness of existing disparities.

3. "Gender gap in wages": Specifically refers to the difference in earnings between men and women.

4. "Gender gap in leadership": Refers to the disparity in representation in management or executive roles.

5. "Global Gender Gap Report": A specific report published annually by the World Economic Forum.

6. "Bridging the gender gap": (Synonym phrase for "closing the gender gap") Emphasizes connecting the two sides of the disparity.

7. "An uphill battle for parity" (metaphorical idiom): Often used to describe the difficulty in achieving gender equality, which addresses the "gender gap."

8. "Leveling the playing field" (idiom): A common goal when trying to reduce or eliminate a gender gap.

9. "Breaking the glass ceiling" (idiom, related concept): Refers to overcoming invisible barriers that prevent women (and minorities) from advancing to top positions, directly addressing a form of gender gap.

10. "A tale of two halves" (idiom, applied metaphorically): Can be used to describe situations where the experiences or outcomes for men and women are significantly different, highlighting a gender gap.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of gender gap from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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