The gender wage gap is often influenced by societal expectations and career choices, which can lead to women earning a fraction of what men make for similar work. This phenomenon is primarily due to __________ that dictate how men and women are perceived in the workplace.

The gender wage gap is largely influenced by societal norms and stereotypes that shape how men and women are viewed in their jobs. For instance, many people believe that men are better suited for leadership roles, which can lead to women being overlooked for promotions or higher-paying positions, even when they have the same qualifications. This bias can also affect the types of careers women choose, as they may feel pressured to select jobs that are traditionally seen as 'female' roles, which often pay less. A concrete example is the difference in pay between male and female teachers; despite having similar qualifications and responsibilities, male teachers may earn more simply because of societal beliefs about gender roles. Overall, these expectations create an uneven playing field where women are unfairly compensated compared to their male counterparts.