“The flip side of gender segregation: Men in female-dominated occupations” (GENDERSEG) is a national project lead by our fellow Margarita Torre and founded through a grant by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2022-142457OB-I00, 2023-2026).
Compared to the increasing participation of women in male-dominated occupations, the presence of men in female-dominated occupations remains low. Men’s reluctance to engage in traditionally female jobs further perpetuates occupational segregation in the job market. Therefore, it is crucial to uncover and eliminate the deterrents to working in female-dominated reduce gender disparities in the labor market.
The academic debate on why men shy away from jobs typically associated with women remains primarily theoretical or is based in qualitative evidence from isolated case studies. This research project aims to introduce new theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence by examining the individual, cultural, and structural factors contributing to men’s reluctance to enter female-dominated jobs. Does the likelihood of engaging in a female typed occupation vary based on structural factors such as unemployment or industrialization? Do men in more egalitarian nations (e.g., the Nordic countries) exhibit more favorable attitudes toward employment in sectors dominated by women? How are men in these sectors subjected to discrimination? With this project, our objective is to address these and other inquiries from a comparative and long-term standpoint.
Our research endeavors to contribute to the understanding of occupational segregation in several ways. The existing literature extensively covers women in male-dominated professions, while the involvement of men in female-oriented jobs remains understudied. Specifically, we aim to provide insights into three key areas: men’s participation in female-dominated occupations, the devaluation of women’s work, and the distinction between social discrimination and discrimination within the occupation. Additionally, unlike prior studies, our research explores the interplay between gender and social class, considering segregation in both high-status and low-status occupations. Moreover, this research seeks to broaden the scope of the ongoing discussion, which has predominantly focused on the United States. Through a comparison of 35 countries, we aim to capture variations in men’s behavioral patterns across diverse socio-economic contexts.
Methodologically, our work employs observational and administrative data, alongside an experimental survey conducted in five countries (Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, and Israel). We utilize both quantitative methodologies (descriptive, multivariate, and experimental analyses) and qualitative methodologies (focus groups). Societally, this research will inform gender policymaking by shedding light on the mechanisms that drive segregation in female-dominated occupations. Given that the mechanisms perpetuating segregation in female-dominated occupations differ from those in male-dominated occupations, specific policy interventions are essential to foster integration across all fields.
