Understanding occupational gender segregation

In spite of numerous gender equalisation programs aiming at the promotion of women, occupational segregation between women and men continues to be a key feature of inequality on the labour market. This fact is reflected by a gender-specific allocation of typically male or female occupations mostly accompanied by unequal hierarchical positions. Encountered in all European countries, occupational gender segregation is particularly marked in Austria due to the long-lasting classic division of labour and a strong orientation towards traditional images of the family. Now, what are the reasons why gender-specific inequalities in the labour market have remained extraordinarily stable or have even increased in certain segments regardless of womens improving labour force participation rates and educational qualifications? Much social research has been devoted to describe various facets of gender-specific inequalities, while the precise causes and backgrounds of occupational gender segregation have been less intensively explored. This is the objective of the present project. The project first addresses the forms in which occupational characteristics (e.g. temporary employment, overtime, physical work) or personal preferences may induce occupational gender segregation. It is not only crucial to understand which individuals make which decisions out of which reasons in terms of their professions. Moreover, a concept is required to cover the specific characteristics shown by mens and womens jobs which in turn impact such decision-making processes. Another important focus within this research endeavour is to investigate gender-atypical career choices. In this connection, the starting point of my analysis is the societal objective of occupational equality between female and male employees. Given the efforts to bring about labour- market gender equality and given the reality of gender segregation it may prove insightful to examine the actors who show gender-atypical behaviour and thus prove professionally successful. The research issues are examined with the means of an innovative study design intertwining quantitative and qualitative elements of empirical social research. First, the development of occupational gender segregation over the past 20 years is outlined, presenting the special attributes of the Austrian labour market within the context of European trends. The statistical analyses of causal factors underlying occupational gender segregation make distinctions between and within the occupational groups and are thus located at two levels of inquiry. Second, a qualitative substudy is based on 30 problem-centered interviews with women and men in gender-atypical professions. The objective is both to better understand the reasons guiding choices of gender-atypical careers and to identify the (coping) strategies that facilitate successful manoeuvres in gender-atypical occupational environments.

Occupational gender segregation in the labour market and gender-(a)typical career decisions - Austria in comparison with other European countries In spite of numerous gender equalisation programs aiming at the promotion of women, occupational segregation between women and men continues to be a key feature of inequality on the labour market. This fact is reflected by a gender-specific allocation of typically 'male' or 'female' occupations mostly accompanied by unequal hierarchical positions. Encountered in all European countries, occupational gender segregation is particularly marked in Austria due to the long-lasting classic division of labour and a strong orientation towards traditional images of the family. Now, what are the reasons why gender-specific inequalities in the labour market have remained extraordinarily stable - or have even increased in certain segments - regardless of women's improving labour force participation rates and educational qualifications? Much social research has been devoted to describe various facets of gender-specific inequalities, while the precise causes and backgrounds of occupational gender segregation have been less intensively explored. This is the objective of the present project. The project first addresses the forms in which occupational characteristics (e.g. temporary employment, overtime, physical work) or personal preferences may induce occupational gender segregation. It is not only crucial to understand which individuals make which decisions out of which reasons in terms of their professions. Moreover, a concept is required to cover the specific characteristics shown by 'men's' and 'women's jobs' which in turn impact such decision-making processes. Another important focus within this research endeavour is to investigate gender-atypical career choices. In this connection, the starting point of my analysis is the societal objective of occupational equality between female and male employees. Given the efforts to bring about labour-market gender equality - and given the reality of gender segregation - it may prove insightful to examine the actors who show gender-atypical behaviour and thus prove professionally successful. The research issues are examined with the means of an innovative study design intertwining quantitative and qualitative elements of empirical social research. First, the development of occupational gender segregation over the past 20 years is outlined, presenting the special attributes of the Austrian labour market within the context of European trends. The statistical analyses of causal factors underlying occupational gender segregation make distinctions between and within the occupational groups and are thus located at two levels of inquiry. Second, a qualitative substudy is based on 30 problem-centered interviews with women and men in gender-atypical professions. The objective is both to better understand the reasons guiding choices of gender-atypical careers and to identify the (coping) strategies that facilitate successful manoeuvres in gender-atypical occupational environments.