If a job advertisement says only men may apply, it is an example of what?

Correct answer: Gender bias

A job advertisement that says only men may apply directly limits an opportunity on the basis of gender. It does not first assess whether applicants have the required education, experience, or skills. This is gender bias, also called gender discrimination, because the advertisement treats being male as a condition for eligibility and excludes women as a group. Therefore, option A is correct. Equal opportunity would require qualified people of all genders to be considered unless a lawful, clearly justified requirement applies.

The wording is discriminatory even if the employer believes the job is difficult or traditionally done by men. A fair advertisement should describe the actual duties and objective requirements, such as training, experience, or a clearly measured ability, and apply them equally. “Safe work” refers to workplace conditions, while “merit selection” means choosing according to relevant qualifications; neither describes the stated gender restriction. Thus the example is not equal opportunity or merit selection. It is gender bias that narrows access to employment.