Managerial gender segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2021
New Zealand; United States

Definition

Nonmanagerial gender segregation refers to the unequal distribution of men and women in nonmanagerial roles within the workforce, where men and women are concentrated in different types of jobs or industries. This segregation often results in distinct patterns of employment based on gender, which can lead to disparities in pay, career advancement opportunities, and job satisfaction. Key aspects of nonmanagerial gender segregation include:

1. Occupational Segregation: Men and women are often found in different types of jobs. For example, women may be overrepresented in roles such as nursing, teaching, and administrative support, while men may be more common in roles such as construction, engineering, and technical jobs.

2. Industry Segregation: Certain industries tend to have higher concentrations of one gender. For instance, healthcare, education, and social services often have a higher proportion of female employees, while industries like manufacturing, technology, and transportation are typically male-dominated.

3. Vertical Segregation: Within the same occupation or industry, men and women may hold different levels of positions. Even in nonmanagerial roles, men might be more likely to occupy higher-paying or more technical positions, while women might be found in roles perceived as less skilled or lower-paying.

4. Wage Disparities: Nonmanagerial gender segregation contributes to the gender pay gap, as jobs predominantly held by women tend to pay less than those predominantly held by men. This wage disparity persists even when accounting for factors such as education, experience, and job responsibilities.

5. Job Quality and Conditions: The quality of jobs and working conditions can vary significantly between male- and female-dominated roles. Women may be more likely to work in part-time positions, temporary jobs, or roles with fewer benefits and less job security compared to their male counterparts.

6. Cultural and Social Norms: Societal expectations and cultural norms play a significant role in shaping nonmanagerial gender segregation. Traditional gender roles and stereotypes can influence career choices, educational paths, and the types of jobs deemed appropriate for men and women.

7. Barriers to Entry and Advancement: Women may face various barriers to entering certain nonmanagerial roles or industries, such as discrimination, lack of mentorship, or insufficient training opportunities. These barriers can also hinder their advancement within their chosen fields.

8. Impact on Economic Equity: Nonmanagerial gender segregation contributes to broader economic inequalities between men and women. It limits women's economic opportunities and earning potential, impacting their financial independence and overall economic security.

9. Examples: Examples of nonmanagerial gender segregation include the predominance of women in caregiving professions like nursing and early childhood education, and the predominance of men in skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and automotive repair.

Addressing nonmanagerial gender segregation involves promoting gender equality in education and training, encouraging diverse career aspirations from an early age, implementing policies that support work-life balance, and addressing discriminatory practices in hiring and workplace culture. These efforts can help create more equitable and inclusive work environments where men and women have equal opportunities to pursue a wide range of careers.

Related segregation forms

Managerial gender segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

gender segregation

This visualization is based on the study The Multidisciplinary Landscape of Segregation Research.

For the complete network of interrelated segregation forms, please refer to:

First year of publication

Louvain clusters

Betweenness centrality

Disciplines in which segregation forms first emerged (Scopus database).

References

Notes

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

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