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136 Int'l Lab. Rev. 315 (1997)
Theories of Occupational Segregation by Sex: An Overview

handle is hein.journals/intlr136 and id is 325 raw text is: International Labour Review, Vol. 136 (1997), No. 3 (Autumn) Theories of occupational segregation by sex: An overview Richard ANKER * O ccupational segregation by sex is extensive in every region, at all economic development levels, under all political systems, and in diverse religious, social and cultural environments. It is one of the most important and enduring aspects of labour markets around the world. There are several reasons to be concerned with occupational segregation. It is a major source of labour market rigidity and economic inefficiency. Excluding a majority of workers from a majority of occupations, as at present, is wasteful of human resources, increases labour market inflexibility, and reduces an economy's ability to adjust to change. With the globalization of production and intensified international competition, these factors have assumed greater importance. Furthermore, occupational segregation by sex is detrimental to women. It has an important negative effect on how men view women and on how women view themselves. This in turn negatively affects women's status and income and, consequently, many social variables such as mortality and morbidity, poverty and income inequality. The persistence of gender stereotypes also has negative effects on education and training and thus causes gender-based inequalities to be perpetuated into future generations. The segmentation of occupations on the basis of workers' sex is thus an important labour market phenomenon deserving greater attention from policy- makers and lay persons concerned about equality, efficiency and social justice. This is demonstrated in the major new study undertaken by the present author (Anker, forthcoming) - with international comparisons and experiences providing especially valuable insights. The purpose of this article, which is drawn from that study, is to review the principal explanations for the existence and persistence of occupational segregation by sex. That is a necessary first step towards understanding the phenomenon in order then to deal with it. This article concludes with some observations on the relative value of the various theories in explaining occupational segregation. * ILO, Geneva. Copyright © International Labour Organization 1997

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