Horizontal Occupational Gender Segregation - Term Paper Example

Horizontal Occupational Gender Segregation Horizontal occupational segregation refers to the concentration of similar group people in one place or job mainly on the basis of gender or race or some defined characteristics. This kind of segregation is caused by gender and racial differences mainly due to the traditional notions which is carried forward in the work place and a person’s capability is judged on prejudices. Horizontal Occupational Gender Segregation is particularly existent in jobs or work where men are considered superior to women.

In this paper, we shall discuss occupational segregation between men and women and the reason behind this kind of segregation (Blackburn). There is huge inequality between men and women in job distribution in the labour force. Men are considered to be stronger and powerful as compared to women who are considered to be too weak to engage in heavy labour. Women having similar qualification as men are offered inferior jobs because of which they have to face the brutality of inequality (Tackling Occupational Segregation Fact Sheet).

According to Robert M. Blackburn and Jennifer Jarman, “Horizontal occupational segregation has been the heart of debates about gender inequality”. It shows that social injustice is been done to women in the workplace thus leading to improper utilization of the human resources. It also reveals the wider perspective of the society as a whole. A research was conducted to investigate the pattern of gender difference and inequality in employment using a new concept of segregation. This new system measured to which extent differences exist between men and women employed in different occupation.

It studied the changes in gender segregation in Canada between 1981 and 1996. It was found that this trend still continued with just a slight decline in the overall segregation. Vertical segregation (inequality associated with occupational earnings) declined up to 41% but an increase in horizontal segregation, that is, difference without such inequality. The result said that women are slowly increasing their participation in areas mainly dominated by men. This is happening in various areas –politics, high level jobs, pilots, engineers and so on.

Similarly, men’s participation in less desirable jobs like nursing, child care, as secretaries to name a few, has been increasing (Blackburn). A law had been passed in 1960 in U.S to control occupational segregation of men and other races but not much has improved in the scenario. A change can be brought about only by changing the perspective of the society. For example, white men demand higher salary then women and people of other races which increase the occupational cost of the employers.

Although, if employers recruit women having same qualification as men, they can have an edge over other people and also control their occupational costs (Meich). Horizontal Occupational Gender Segregation is greatly caused by occupational inequality and can only be controlled by changing the traditional thinking of the people. Our society should accept the fact that women are equally competent to men and play an equal role in the development of the world. Works cited "Tackling Occupational Segregation Fact Sheet.

" Women and Equality Unit. Web Women and Equality, May 2007. Web 10 June, 2011. Miech, R, A. “Occupational stratification over the life course: a comparison of occupational trajectories across race and gender during the 1980s and 1990s.” Work and occupations, 2003 30(4):441-442. Web 10 June, 2011. Blackburn Robert M., Jarman Jennifer, Brooks Bradley. “Occupational segregation in Canada, 1981-1996. Overall Vertical and Horizontal Segregation”.Wiley Online Library, 14 July 2008. Web 10 June 2011.