This report discusses sex-based wage discrimination, the role of comparable worth doctrine in analyzing or combating such discrimination, and the appropriateness of the remedial prescriptions that comparable worth doctrine envisions. The report consists of a brief introduction and five chapters. Chapter 1 presents a brief overview of women in the work force. It describes and explains the recent growth in female employment, protective legislation, and earning ratios for men and women. Chapter 2 discusses the general situation of the wage gap, and considers theories which have attempted to account for its existence. The variety of methods used to measure discrimination are assessed, and it is concluded that employers must not be held responsible for social situations beyond their control. Chapter 3 addresses the issue of using job evaluations as the basis of wage determination. The role of market forces in determining wages is analyzed, and job evaluation procedures commonly used by firms are reviewed. The possible consequences of basing pay on job evaluations, as comparable worth advocates suggest, are evaluated. Chapter 4 analyzes legal issues surrounding the comparable worth question. Focus is placed on the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which are said to be the two principal Federal statutory bases on which plaintiffs may make claims of sex-based wage discrimination. Finally, Chapter 5 presents major findings and recommendations. Federal civil rights enforcement agencies are encouraged to reject comparable worth and rely instead on the principle of equal pay for equal work. Moreover, it is recommended that the Justice Department and Congress resist comparable worth doctrine. The report concludes with concurring statements from members of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. (KH)