Intertwining gender inequalities and gender-neutral legitimacy in job evaluation and performance-related pay

This article analyses the intertwining inequalities in wage determination and the gender-neutral legitimacy that pay systems provide by masking these inequalities. Job evaluation and performance-related pay were originally designed for purposes other than promoting equal pay, namely as managerial tools for determining wage levels. Typically, the main objective of a pay system is not to promote equal pay. Still, as a tool for assessing the value of work, job evaluation is regarded as a central method in promoting equal pay. The use of job evaluation is recommended by the European Commission and the International Labour Organization, and often features in gender-equality policy and legislation. In contrast with the status of job evaluation, little research exists on performance-related pay and gender pay equity. The findings show that the wages determined by pay systems reflect gendered cultural valuations of jobs and occupations. Pay systems provide gender-neutral legitimacy for gender-based wage disparities.