Urban employment segregation

Date and country of first publication

2021
United States

Definition

Urban employment segregation refers to the division and concentration of workers in different sectors or industries within urban areas. This segregation occurs when certain groups of workers are concentrated in specific types of jobs or industries, leading to unequal opportunities and outcomes.

There are various factors that contribute to urban employment segregation, including social, economic, and educational disparities. Historical legacies, discrimination, and unequal access to resources and opportunities also play a significant role in shaping employment segregation patterns.

Certain groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with lower educational attainment, are often disproportionately represented in lower-paying and less-prestigious jobs. This can lead to the creation of segregated occupational clusters or industries within urban areas. For example, certain neighborhoods or areas may have a high concentration of low-wage service sector jobs, while others may be dominated by higher-paying industries such as finance or technology.

Urban employment segregation can have negative consequences for individuals and communities. It can perpetuate inequalities and limit upward mobility, as opportunities for advancement and higher-paying jobs may be limited within segregated industries. This segregation can also contribute to the persistence of poverty and inequality within urban areas.

Efforts to address urban employment segregation often involve policies and programs focused on promoting equal access to education and training, improving job opportunities in historically marginalized communities, and reducing discrimination and bias in hiring practices. Additionally, efforts to diversify industries and promote economic development in underserved areas can help to reduce employment segregation and create more inclusive urban economies.

Notes

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Urban Employment Segregation appears on the following literature

Bucciferro J.R. (2021). A lucrative end: abolition, immigration, and the new occupational hierarchy in southeast Brazil. Cliometrica, 15(2), 391-418. Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11698-020-00211-4