What term describes the fact that women with children earn less than those who are childless?

The gender wage gap refers to the overall disparity in earnings between men and women, regardless of parental status. While it encompasses various factors, it does not specifically address the unique challenges that mothers face in comparison to women without children. Therefore, it is a broader term that does not capture the nuance of earnings disparities related to motherhood.

The second shift concept describes the phenomenon where working women, after completing their professional responsibilities, continue to bear the burden of household and childcare duties. Although this reflects the dual role women often play, it does not directly address the impact of motherhood on earnings, making it an incorrect choice for this question.

The glass ceiling is a metaphor for the invisible barriers that prevent women and minorities from advancing to higher-level positions within organizations. While it represents a significant issue in gender equity, it does not specifically pertain to the wage differences between mothers and childless women, thus making it an unsuitable answer.