Occupational female segregation

Date and country of first publication

2009
United Kingdom

Definition

Occupational female segregation refers to the phenomenon where women tend to be concentrated in certain occupations or industries, while men dominate others. This segregation is often based on traditional gender roles and societal expectations, which can limit women's access to certain professions and opportunities for advancement.

There are several factors that contribute to occupational female segregation. These include:

1. Social norms and stereotypes: Societal views of gender roles and expectations often shape the career choices women make. Stereotypes such as women being more nurturing or better at certain tasks can discourage them from pursuing careers in fields such as engineering or finance.

2. Education and training: Gender biases can be perpetuated through the educational system, where girls may be steered away from certain subjects or discouraged from pursuing careers in male-dominated fields. Lack of access to quality education and training opportunities can also contribute to occupational segregation.

3. Discrimination and bias: Women may face biases and discrimination in the workplace, making it difficult for them to be promoted or break into male-dominated fields. This can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle where women are discouraged from pursuing those careers due to the lack of representation and opportunities.

4. Work-life balance challenges: The expectation that women will take on a larger share of household and caregiving responsibilities can make it challenging for them to pursue careers that require long hours or extensive travel, leading to further segregation in certain industries.

The consequences of occupational female segregation are wide-ranging. It perpetuates gender inequality by limiting women's access to higher-paying or more prestigious jobs, which can result in a gender pay gap. It also contributes to stereotypes and biases, reinforcing the idea that certain jobs are more suitable for men or women.

Efforts to address occupational female segregation include promoting gender equality and diversity in educational and career guidance, implementing policies that support work-family balance, and combating workplace discrimination and bias. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive and equal labor market, where all individuals have the opportunity to pursue their desired careers and reach their full potential.

Notes

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Occupational Female Segregation appears on the following literature

Mumford K., Smith P.N. (2009). What determines the part time and gender earnings gaps in Britain: Evidence from the workplace. Oxford Economic Papers, 61(SPEC. ISS.), i56-i75. https://doi.org/10.1093/oep/gpn041