Interfirm gender segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

1995
Not identified in the sample.

Definition

Interfirm gender segregation refers to the phenomenon of gender segregation among different firms or companies. It can occur in various ways, including differences in the types of industries that employ primarily male or female workers, differences in the job roles and positions available to male and female employees, and differences in the workplace cultures and practices that may perpetuate gender stereotypes and create barriers for advancement.

Some industries, such as construction, engineering, and technology, have traditionally been male-dominated, while industries like healthcare, education, and social services have a higher proportion of female workers. This segregation can limit career opportunities for individuals based on their gender.

Within firms, gender segregation can also be observed in the distribution of job roles and positions. For example, certain roles, such as senior management or technical positions, may be predominantly held by men, while women tend to be overrepresented in administrative or support roles. This can result from bias and gender stereotypes that influence hiring decisions and limit the career progression of women.

Workplace cultures and practices can also contribute to gender segregation. Male-dominated environments may have norms and practices that create barriers for women to enter or advance in certain roles. This can include limited access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, exclusion from informal networks, and lack of flexible work arrangements to accommodate family responsibilities.

Addressing interfirm gender segregation requires proactive measures from both firms and policymakers. Companies can take steps to promote diversity and inclusion, such as implementing targeted recruitment and promotion strategies, providing equal access to training and development opportunities, and fostering an inclusive organizational culture. Policy interventions, such as enforcing equal pay legislation, promoting family-friendly policies, and creating awareness campaigns about gender stereotypes, can also contribute to reducing interfirm gender segregation.

References

Notes

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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