Racial occupational segregation

2003
united states

Racial occupational segregation refers to the unequal distribution of different racial or ethnic groups into different occupations. It is a pattern that can be observed in many societies and has significant social, economic, and political implications.

Racial occupational segregation can occur for various reasons, including historical discrimination and inequality, cultural and social norms, education and skill disparities, and systemic biases within certain industries or sectors.

This segregation often leads to economic disparities between racial groups, as certain occupations tend to offer higher wages and better opportunities for career advancement. It also perpetuates stereotypes and biases, making it more difficult for individuals from marginalized racial groups to break into higher-paying or prestigious positions.

Research has found that racial occupational segregation persists in many countries, including the United States. For example, African Americans and Hispanics are often overrepresented in lower-paying service and manual labor jobs, while Asian Americans tend to be overrepresented in professional and technical occupations.

Addressing racial occupational segregation requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving access to quality education and training, reducing discrimination and biases in hiring practices, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and implementing policies and programs that support equitable opportunities for individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Further reading

Salardi P. (2016) "The Evolution of Gender and Racial Occupational Segregation Across Formal and Non Formal Labor Markets in Brazil, 1987 to 2006", Review of Income and Wealth, 62(), pp. S68-S89. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. DOI: 10.1111/roiw.12159

Gabriel P.E.; Sclimitz S. (2014) "A longitudinal examination of racial differences in occupational distributions among prime aged males in the United States", Economics Bulletin, 34(1), pp. 106-114. Economics Bulletin. DOI: [1]

White N.E.; Wolaver A.M. (2006) "Chutes and ladders: Migration and male racial occupational segregation", Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy, 36(2), pp. 161-170. . DOI: [2]

Price-Spratlen T. (2003) "The Urban Context of Historical Activism: NAACP Depression Era Insurgency and Organization Building Activity", Sociological Quarterly, 44(3), pp. 303-328+ii. University of California Press. DOI: 10.1111/j.1533-8525.2003.tb00535.x