Which statement accurately describes the conditions under which discrimination continues to exist in a competitive labor market?

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A wage gap between different groups definitively proves that discrimination is present in the labor market.Discrimination can only remain in a competitive labor market if consumers are willing to bear the cost of maintaining it or if laws enforce discriminatory practices.Persistent wage discrimination in a competitive market mainly stems from prejudiced employers.Discrimination is impossible in a competitive labor market.Discrimination always disappears when there is free competition among employers.

Explanation

Discrimination can persist in a competitive labor market only if customers are willing to pay extra to uphold discriminatory practices or if government policies mandate such discrimination. Simply observing wage differences between groups does not conclusively prove discrimination, as other factors may be involved. Likewise, discrimination is not impossible in competitive markets, nor is it solely caused by biased employers.