The gender wage gap is solely caused by women choosing lower-paying careers, making it less of a structural issue and more about personal choices.

The claim that the gender wage gap is only due to women choosing lower-paying careers overlooks many important factors. While it is true that some women may choose jobs that pay less, this choice is often influenced by societal expectations, family responsibilities, and workplace environments that can make it harder for women to pursue higher-paying roles. For example, women might choose part-time work or flexible hours to balance work and family life, which can lead to lower overall earnings. Additionally, structural issues like discrimination and lack of advancement opportunities in certain fields can limit women's earning potential, regardless of their choices. Therefore, the gender wage gap is a complex issue that involves both personal choices and broader societal influences.