Gender sectoral segregation

2014
france

Gender sectoral segregation refers to the unequal distribution of men and women across different sectors or fields of employment. It refers to the pattern where men and women tend to be concentrated in different industries or occupations, with women being concentrated in traditionally female-dominated sectors and men being concentrated in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

This segregation can be observed across various industries and occupations, such as healthcare and education being predominantly female, while construction and engineering being predominantly male. The segregation can be seen in terms of both the numbers of men and women in certain sectors and the types of jobs they hold within those sectors.

Gender sectoral segregation is influenced by various factors, including societal expectations, educational choices, and workplace cultures. Stereotypes, biases, and discrimination also play a role in perpetuating this segregation. It can have negative consequences for individuals and society, including the perpetuation of wage gaps and limited career options for both men and women. Efforts to address gender sectoral segregation typically involve promoting equal opportunities, challenging stereotypes, and enhancing gender balance in various sectors and occupations.

Further reading

Barba I.; Iraizoz B. (2020) "Effect of the great crisis on sectoral female employment in Europe: A structural decomposition analysis", Economies, 8(3), pp. -. MDPI AG. DOI: 10.3390/ECONOMIES8030064

Périvier H. (2014) "Men and women during the economic crisis employment trends in eight European countries", Revue de l'OFCE, 133(2), pp. 41-84. Presses de Sciences Po. DOI: 10.3917/reof.133.0041

Piłatowska M.; Witkowska D. (2022) "Gender Segregation at Work over Business Cycle Evidence from Selected EU Countries", Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(16), pp. -. MDPI. DOI: 10.3390/su141610202