1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with these essential questions: What factors influence how much someone is paid? Why do women earn less than men?
2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:
- What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether the government should enact more policies to close the gender pay gap. The issue is timely because women are working longer hours and pursuing higher levels of education in greater numbers, but they still earn less in wages on average than men.)
- Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Rosa DeLauro is a member of Congress working on policies to close the pay gap. Rachel Greszler analyzes economic issues on behalf of a conservative think tank.)