The wage disparity faced by minority women who are single heads of households exemplifies what type of issue?

The wage disparity experienced by minority women who are single heads of households is most accurately described as discrimination. This term refers to the unjust treatment of individuals based on inherent characteristics, such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. In this context, minority women are often subjected to systemic barriers and biases that prevent them from earning wages comparable to their peers, which highlights the social structures that perpetuate these inequalities.

This disparity can arise from various factors, including but not limited to prejudiced hiring practices, unequal pay for similar work, and lack of access to careers that offer better financial compensation. Such discrimination is not just individual but may be embedded in broader societal norms and institutional practices, which makes it an important issue for social work professionals to address.

While social inequality is a valid concept reflecting the broader systemic issues at play, and economic disparity pertains directly to the financial aspects of these inequalities, discrimination specifically pinpoints the prejudicial actions and attitudes that lead to unequal treatment in the workplace for minority women. Recognizing this issue as discrimination can help social workers advocate for policy changes and promote equitable practices in the labor market.