Occupational racial segregation

Date and country of first publication

2006
United States

Definition

Occupational racial segregation refers to the unequal distribution of different racial or ethnic groups across different occupations or industries. It involves the separation of individuals belonging to different racial or ethnic backgrounds into different job types or sectors, resulting in limited access to certain occupations or industries for certain racial or ethnic groups.

This form of segregation can be observed in various ways. For example, certain occupations or industries may have a disproportionately high representation of a specific racial or ethnic group, while others may have very low representation or even a complete absence of that group. This segregation can result from various factors, including historical discrimination, systemic biases, educational opportunities, and social and cultural factors.

Occupational racial segregation can have significant consequences for individuals and communities. It can perpetuate economic disparities, limit upward mobility and opportunities for certain racial or ethnic groups, contribute to income inequality, and reinforce stereotypes and biases. It can also impact the overall diversity and inclusivity of workplaces and hinder efforts to create more equitable societies.

Efforts to address occupational race segregation require addressing systemic barriers and biases. These may include policies and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, tackling discrimination and bias in hiring and promotion practices, providing equal educational opportunities, and challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Increasing representation of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in various occupations and industries can help create more equitable and inclusive societies.

Occupational racial segregation appears in the following literature

Torres Stone R.A., Purkayastha B., Berdahl T.A. (2006). Beyond Asian American: Examining conditions and mechanisms of earnings inequality for Filipina and Asian Indian women. Sociological Perspectives, 49(2), 261-281. https://doi.org/10.1525/sop.2006.49.2.261

Lowe T.S., Wallace M. (2017). Occupational Race Segregation, Globalization, and White Advantage: White Black Earnings Inequality in U.S. Metropolitan Areas. Sociological Spectrum, 37(6), 353-370. Taylor and Francis Inc..https://doi.org/10.1080/02732173.2017.1365028

Cornfield D.B., Coley J.S., Isaac L.W., Dickerson D.C. (2018). Occupational activism and racial desegregation at work: Activist careers after the nonviolent nashville civil rights movement. Research in the Sociology of Work, 32(), 217-248. Emerald Group Publishing Ltd..https://doi.org/10.1108/S0277-283320180000032014