Summarise two patterns or trends in the data shown in Source A.
OCR
A Level
2021
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Essay Outline: Analysing Trends in Hourly Pay by Ethnicity
This essay will examine patterns and trends in hourly pay rates presented in Source A. Two key trends will be identified and discussed: the overall increase in hourly pay rates across most ethnic groups and the persistent pay gap between different ethnicities.
Trend 1: Increasing Hourly Pay Rates (Overall)
• Evidence: The table shows that for most ethnic groups, hourly pay rates increased between 2013 and 2017. This is evident in the data for Indians (largest increase), Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Black, and other minorities. • Explanation: This trend indicates a positive development, suggesting potential improvement in economic conditions for these groups. It could be linked to various factors such as: * Government policies promoting equal pay * Economic growth leading to increased demand for labor * Improved qualifications and skills within these groups. • Limitations: The trend does not apply to all groups equally. The Mixed group experienced a decrease in pay between 2013 and 2015, highlighting the need for further investigation into the specific challenges faced by this group.Trend 2: Persistent Pay Gap Between Ethnicities
• Evidence: Despite the overall increase, the table reveals a persistent pay gap between different ethnicities. Indians consistently earn the highest hourly rates, while Pakistani/Bangladeshi groups consistently earn the lowest. The gap between these groups has also widened over time. • Explanation: This trend points to persistent inequalities rooted in systemic discrimination and historical disadvantages faced by certain ethnic groups. Possible explanations include: * Racial bias in hiring practices and promotions * Limited access to education and training opportunities * Social and cultural factors influencing access to better jobs • Limitations: The data itself cannot fully explain the reasons behind the pay gap. Sociological factors beyond the scope of the source need to be considered to understand the complex nature of ethnic inequality.Conclusion
While the data indicates an overall increase in hourly pay rates for most ethnicities, the persistent pay gap highlights the need for further action to address inequalities. Future research should delve into the specific factors contributing to this gap and explore effective strategies for achieving true pay equity across ethnic groups.
Trends in Hourly Pay by Ethnicity (2013-2017)
Source A presents data on hourly pay for different ethnic groups between 2013 and 2017. Two clear trends emerge from this data.
Firstly, there has been a general upward trend in hourly pay for most ethnic groups, with Indians experiencing the largest increase. In 2013, Indians earned an average of £11.29 per hour, rising to £13.14 in 2017, a significant increase of £1.85. Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black, and other minority groups also saw increases in their hourly pay over this period. This suggests that economic conditions and potentially equality initiatives may have positively impacted wages for most ethnic minorities.
Secondly, despite the overall upward trend, significant pay gaps persist between ethnicities. Throughout the period covered, Indians consistently earned the highest hourly rate, while the Pakistani/Bangladeshi group consistently received the lowest. Furthermore, the gap between these two groups widened. In 2013, the difference in hourly pay between Indians and Pakistanis/Bangladeshis was £3.02; by 2017, this had grown to £3.62. This highlights the persistence of ethnic inequalities in pay, suggesting that factors beyond general economic improvement may be at play, such as potential discrimination or differing access to opportunities.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Candidates should identify two patterns or trends in the source which are supported by the data.
Where candidates summarise more than two patterns or trends marks should be credited for the two best developed points.
Examples of trends which might be summarised would be:
• Hourly rates of pay have increased between 2013 and 2017 for most ethnic groups with the largest increase for Indians (£1.85 per hour) and Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Black and other minorities all seeing some increase overall in hourly pay.
• One group which has seen their hourly pay fall between 2013 and 2107 is the Mixed group where their pay fell from £11.57 to £10.85 between 2013 and 2015. Since then it has increased to £11.26 in 2017 but this remains a lower rate than what they received in 2013.
Examples of patterns which might be summarised would be:
• Indians consistently enjoy the highest hourly rate of pay at £11.29 in 2013 rising to £13.14 in 2017 while the Pakistani/ Bangladeshi group has consistently the lowest rate of pay at £8.27 in 2013 and £9.52 in 2017. The gap between the hourly rate of Indians and Pakistanis/ Bangladeshis has therefore widened between 2013 and 2017.
• In 2017 the hourly rate of whites (£11.34) was higher than all the ethnic minorities except Indians. Pakistani/ Bangladeshis had the lowest hourly rate at £9.52, while Indians earned more than all other ethnic groups (including whites) at £13.14.
Any other reasonable pattern or trend should be credited, so long as it is supported by the data in the source. However, candidates need to summarise data in some way to reveal a pattern or trend rather than merely reading off statistics from the table.