Task segregation

Date and country of first publication

1985
United States

Definition

Task segregation, also known as task specialization or job specialization, refers to the division of labor within an organization or society where different individuals or groups are assigned specific tasks or responsibilities based on their skills, abilities, or expertise. This division of labor helps improve productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness by allowing individuals to focus on specific tasks and become experts in their respective fields.

In task segregation, each person or group typically performs a specific job or task within a larger process or workflow. This allows for better coordination, as each individual can concentrate on their assigned task without being overwhelmed by the complexity of the overall process. It also enables individuals to develop specialized skills and knowledge related to their assigned tasks, resulting in increased efficiency and quality of work.

Task segregation can be observed in various domains including manufacturing, healthcare, customer service, and administration. For example, in a manufacturing plant, workers may be divided into different departments such as assembly, machining, quality control, and logistics, where each department focuses on its specific task within the production process. Similarly, in healthcare, different healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, and pharmacists have distinct roles and responsibilities, ensuring specialized care and treatment for patients.

Overall, task segregation ensures that individuals or groups can focus on specific tasks, leading to increased efficiency and improved outcomes in various fields.

Notes

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

Further reading

Carswell C.M., Wickens C.D. (1985) Lateral task segregation and the task hemispheric integrity effect. Human Factors, 27(6), 695-700. [1]

Hendrix L., Pearson Jr. W. (1995) Spousal interdependence, female power and divorce: A cross cultural examination. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 26(2), 217-232+vi. [2]

Tolich M., Briar C. (1999) Just checking it out: Exploring the significance of informal gender divisions amongst american supermarket employees. Gender, Work and Organization, 6(3), 129-133. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.[3]

Hook J.L. (2010) Gender inequality in the welfare state: Sex segregation in housework, 1965 2003. American Journal of Sociology, 115(5), 1480-1523. University of Chicago Press.[4]

Shen Y., Richards V.M. (2012) Spectral processing of two concurrent harmonic complexes. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 131(1), 386-397. [5]

Chan C.K., Anteby M. (2016) Task Segregation as a Mechanism for Within job Inequality: Women and Men of the Transportation Security Administration. Administrative Science Quarterly, 61(2), 184-216. Cornell University.[6]

Nollert M., Gasser M. (2017) Gender time use gap and task segregation in unpaid work: evidence from Switzerland. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 37(3-4), 148-165. Emerald Group Publishing Ltd..[7]

Sánchez-Mira N., Muntanyola Saura D. (2022) Attachment parenting among middle class couples in Spain: gendered principles and labor divisions. Journal of Family Studies, 28(2), 569-586. Routledge.[8]