Sectoral segregation

Date and country of first publication

2003
Switzerland

Definition

Sectoral segregation refers to the concentration of certain industries or sectors of the economy in specific geographic areas or regions. It can occur at various levels, including national, regional, or local.

This phenomenon often occurs due to a combination of factors such as historical patterns of industrial growth, availability of natural resources, transportation infrastructure, labor availability, and specialization. As a result, certain regions may become known for their dominance in specific sectors, while other regions may lack representation or have a limited range of industries.

Sectoral segregation can have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it can lead to economies of scale and specialization, which can enhance productivity and competitiveness. For example, Silicon Valley in California is known for its concentration of technology and innovation companies, leading to a vibrant ecosystem and collaboration among firms.

However, sectoral segregation can also create economic disparities and vulnerabilities. If a region heavily relies on a particular industry and that industry faces a downturn, the local economy might suffer. Additionally, it can lead to uneven development and income disparities between regions.

Government policies can play a role in either promoting or addressing sectoral segregation. For example, policymakers may implement strategies to encourage diversification and attract industries to underrepresented areas. They may also invest in infrastructure and education to enhance the competitiveness of certain sectors in specific regions.

Overall, sectoral segregation refers to the concentration of industries or sectors in specific areas and can have both positive and negative implications on economic development and regional disparities.

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

Müller T. (2003) Migration policy in a small open economy with a dual labor market. Review of International Economics, 11(1), 130-143. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.[1]

Moore S. (2009) 'No matter what I did I would still end up in the same position': Age as a factor defining older women's experience of labour market participation. Work, Employment and Society, 23(4), 655-671. SAGE Publications Ltd.[2]

Van Puyenbroeck T., De Bruyne K., Sels L. (2012) More than 'Mutual Information': Educational and sectoral gender segregation and their interaction on the Flemish labor market. Labour Economics, 19(1), 1-8. [3]

Périvier H. (2014) Men and women during the economic crisis employment trends in eight European countries. Revue de l'OFCE, 133(2), 41-84. Presses de Sciences Po.[4]

Périvier H. (2014) Men and women during the economic crisis employment trends in eight European countries. Revue de l'OFCE, 133(2), 41-84. Presses de Sciences Po.[5]

Moldovan O. (2016) Representative bureaucracy in Romania? Gender and leadership in central public administration. Transylvanian Review of Administrative Sciences, 2016(48), 66-83. Universitatea Babes-Bolyai.[6]

Wemlinger E., Berlan M.R. (2016) Does Gender Equality Influence Volunteerism? A Cross National Analysis of Women’s Volunteering Habits and Gender Equality. Voluntas, 27(2), 853-873. Springer New York LLC.[7]

Boll C., Rossen A., Wolf A. (2017) The EU Gender Earnings Gap: Job Segregation and Working Time as Driving Factors. Jahrbucher fur Nationalokonomie und Statistik, 237(5), 407-452. De Gruyter Oldenbourg.[8]

Rugina S. (2019) Female entrepreneurship in the Baltics: formal and informal context. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 11(1), 58-74. Emerald Group Holdings Ltd..[9]

Seneviratne P. (2019) Married women's labor supply and economic development: Evidence from Sri Lankan household data. Review of Development Economics, 23(2), 975-999. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.[10]

Borrowman M., Klasen S. (2020) Drivers of Gendered Sectoral and Occupational Segregation in Developing Countries. Feminist Economics, 26(2), 62-94. Routledge.[11]

Barba I., Iraizoz B. (2020) Effect of the great crisis on sectoral female employment in Europe: A structural decomposition analysis. Economies, 8(3), -. MDPI AG.[12]

Barba I., Iraizoz B. (2020) Effect of the great crisis on sectoral female employment in Europe: A structural decomposition analysis. Economies, 8(3), -. MDPI AG.[13]

Salonen L., Kähäri A., Pietilä I. (2020) Finland. Extended Working Life Policies: International Gender and Health Perspectives, 251-260. Springer International Publishing.[14]

Lewandowski P., Lipowska K., Magda I. (2021) The Gender Dimension of Occupational Exposure to Contagion in Europe. Feminist Economics, 27(1-2), 48-65. Routledge.[15]

Batchuluun A. (2021) The gender wage gap in Mongolia: Sectoral segregation as a driving factor. Review of Development Economics, 25(3), 1437-1465. John Wiley and Sons Inc.[16]

Piłatowska M., Witkowska D. (2022) Gender Segregation at Work over Business Cycle Evidence from Selected EU Countries. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(16), -. MDPI.[17]