Soci 381- Question 7 Flashcards
7.Define and explain the difference between the vertical and the horizontal occupational segregation of women in the labour market. Ensure that your account demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of the relevant course readings.
Horizontal Occupational Segregation:
Horizontal segregation refers to the concentration of women in specific types of occupations or industries. These occupations or industries are typically associated with traditional gender roles and stereotypes. For example, women are often overrepresented in clerical, administrative, caregiving, and service-oriented professions.
This type of segregation highlights how certain fields of work become gendered, with women being channeled into roles that are perceived as more suitable or appropriate based on societal expectations.
Horizontal segregation can lead to lower wages and fewer opportunities for career advancement for women, as these fields tend to offer lower pay and fewer opportunities for growth compared to male-dominated sectors.
In essence, horizontal segregation describes the lateral separation of men and women into different types of jobs or industries.
Vertical Occupational Segregation:
Vertical segregation, on the other hand, refers to the unequal distribution of men and women across different levels of hierarchy within a particular occupation or industry. It reflects the disparities in power, authority, and earnings between men and women within the same field.
Even within occupations where women are well-represented, such as teaching or nursing, men are often overrepresented in leadership positions and higher-paying roles. This phenomenon perpetuates gender inequality by limiting women’s access to positions of authority and higher income.
Vertical segregation suggests the existence of structural barriers that hinder women’s upward mobility and career progression. These barriers may include biases in promotion and hiring practices, lack of mentorship opportunities, and entrenched gender norms regarding leadership and authority.
Unlike horizontal segregation, which involves the lateral division of labor, vertical segregation focuses on the hierarchical distribution of men and women within specific occupations or industries.
