Persistence and Parity in Occupational Gender Segregation: A Cross-Occupational Comparison of Labor Outcomes

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Abstract

In the last century, labor market opportunities have expanded significantly for women. Although overall progress towards wage equity has stalled in recent decades, some occupations have seen large strides towards wage equality and gender parity. However, some professions, like teaching and nursing, remain segregated by gender.

Utilizing nationally representative survey data from the Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study (2008-2018), this paper investigates the relationship between occupational gender segregation and professional mobility among the early careers of college graduates. Consistent with prior research on gender segregation, both supply and demand side factors contribute to continued segregation in traditionally male- and female-dominated roles.

Author

• Brandon Harrison, University of Pennsylvania