What must a plaintiff demonstrate in a gender discrimination case?

In a gender discrimination case, a plaintiff must demonstrate that gender was a determining factor in the employment decisions that adversely affected them. This means that the plaintiff must provide evidence showing that the decision-makers in the organization made choices specifically based on the plaintiff’s gender.

This standard is critical because it helps establish a direct connection between the adverse employment action—such as hiring, firing, promotions, or pay disparities—and the gender of the plaintiff. By showing that gender was a determining factor, the plaintiff can argue that the employer’s actions violate anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

In contrast, merely showing that gender was a factor does not meet the burden of proof required in such cases; it must be established that gender was a significant, influential factor in the decision-making process. The other options do not align with the legal standards for proving gender discrimination, as they either imply lesser degrees of influence or create a misunderstanding of the burden of proof necessary in these cases.