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Explaining gender segregation
Author(s) -
Blackburn Robert M.,
Browne Jude,
Brooks Bradley,
Jarman Jennifer
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
the british journal of sociology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.826
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1468-4446
pISSN - 0007-1315
DOI - 10.1080/0007131022000021461
Subject(s) - occupational segregation , patriarchy , preference , empowerment , inequality , demographic economics , gender inequality , human capital , sociology , gender studies , positive economics , psychology , economics , labour economics , economic growth , mathematics , microeconomics , mathematical analysis , wage
Occupational gender segregation — the tendency for women and men to work in different occupations — is an important feature of all societies, and particularly the wealthy industrialized ones. To understand this segregation, and to explain its significance, we need to distinguish between vertical segregation entailing inequality and horizontal segregation representing difference without inequality, with overall segregation being the resultant of these components. Three major theoretical approaches to understanding occupational gender segregation are examined: human capital/rational choice, patriarchy, and preference theories. All are found to be inadequate; they tend to confuse overall segregation with its vertical component, and each entails a number of other faults. It is generally assumed or implied that greater empowerment of women would reduce gender segregation. This is the reverse of what actually happens; in countries where the degree of women's empowerment is greater, the level of gender segregation is also greater. An alternative theoretical approach based on processes of social reproduction is shown to be more useful.