What is Pay Equity?

Pay equity is not equal access to jobs offered by an employer. This is called
employment equity, which means that women, men, and minorities have equal opportunities
when applying for jobs. Nor is pay equity the fact that a person working in company X
is being paid $2,000 less than the person of the same gender sitting nearby for exactly
the same job. This is called internal equity and is unrelated to employment equity. So,
what does pay equity mean? At first, it meant as equal pay for equal work. However, as
organizations tried to achieve pay equity, they quickly realized that it was difficult to
compare the same two jobs and their compensation since each one comprised a different
set of tasks. The difficulties experienced by organizations with this approach prompted
the government to adopt the following definition: “Equal pay for different but equivalent
work.”

This change ensures that there is no sexist bias in the comparison of compensation so
that predominantly female jobs are paid equally to predominantly male jobs of equivalent
value. The change also enabled comparisons between jobs of different types but
equivalent in terms of tasks. An example of this would be to compare trade and service
jobs with clerical jobs of equivalent value.

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# What is Pay Equity?

Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan: Biography

Sharam Kohan is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in law, human relations, and organizational leadership. Currently a degree candidate for an LLM at UC Berkeley Law, Sharam brings a unique blend of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to social justice and human rights.

With a career that spans diverse sectors, Sharam's expertise extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as a Human Relations Commissioner, contributing his leadership to Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, where he worked on initiatives to improve community relations and promote equity. His dedication to social change is also evident in his philanthropic efforts as a donor to organizations like FACES SF, which provides vital resources and support to the Bay Area’s underserved communities.

An advocate for labor and employment rights, Sharam holds a specialization in Employment Law from Temple University School of Law, which has furthered his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. His professional journey includes leadership roles across human resources and operations, where he has honed his ability to manage teams, shape organizational culture, and implement effective strategies that drive success. He also holds SHRM certification, further solidifying his expertise in human resources management.

As a writer and thought leader, Sharam has authored multiple works that delve into complex philosophical and legal topics. His books, Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom, explore the intersections of law, philosophy, and human freedom, blending his academic background with a passion for intellectual inquiry. These works have garnered attention for their thoughtful analysis and exploration of complex ideas, establishing Sharam as a respected voice in both legal and philosophical circles.

Though not a traditional legal scholar, Sharam’s interdisciplinary approach to understanding law and society has made him a sought-after commentator on topics ranging from legal theory to organizational dynamics. His writing can be found on various platforms, including his blog at Harvard, where he shares insights on law, politics, and social issues.

Sharam Kohan is a dynamic and forward-thinking professional with the knowledge, experience, and passion to contribute meaningfully to the legal, social, and business landscapes.

For more on Sharam Kohan’s work, visit his blog at archive.blogs.harvard.edu/kohan and his author pages on Amazon, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre's Conception of Freedom.