Question

In most labor markets, firms prefer to hire single women rather than married women (married women are more likely to have children and therefore will probably miss more days of work). A law was passed prohibiting firms to ask about marital status during interviews. Why has this law been ineffective?

Answer 1

It was considered illegal to ask about marital status during interview because it reveals the sexual orientation of the person.This was  considered illegal under federal and some state laws.Such laws were felt to discriminate against women .But this law became ineffective as  the  interviewer can ask the question to understand how much time the person will be able to give to the job. In the interest of the company, the employer can ask about marital status .