Sex employment segregation

2002
united states

Sex employment segregation refers to the separation of individuals into different occupations or industries based on their biological sex or gender. It refers to the tendency for men and women to be concentrated in different types of jobs, with women being overrepresented in traditionally female-dominated occupations and men being overrepresented in traditionally male-dominated occupations.

This segregation is often perpetuated by societal expectations, cultural norms, and discrimination, leading to a lack of opportunities for individuals to pursue careers outside of traditional gender roles. It can also result in gender pay gaps and disparities in career advancement.

There are various reasons for sex employment segregation, including stereotypes, biases, and societal expectations regarding the roles and capabilities of men and women. these biases and stereotypes can discourage individuals from pursuing careers that are perceived to be outside of their gender norm, which in turn perpetuates the segregation.

Efforts to reduce sex employment segregation focus on promoting gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles. This includes advocating for policies and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, addressing gender-based discrimination, and encouraging individuals to pursue careers based on their interests and abilities rather than societal expectations.

Further reading

Kaufman R.L. (2002) "Assessing alternative perspectives on race and sex employment segregation", American Sociological Review, 67(4), pp. 547-572. American Sociological Association. DOI: 10.2307/3088945