Occupational Segregation by sex is a persistent feature of labour markets. Discuss the reasons for this and the implications for gender equality, with reference to one or more countries.

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Occupational Segregation by sex is a persistent feature of labour markets. Discuss the reasons for this and the implications for gender equality, with reference to one or more countries.

“Occupational Segregation by sex is one of the most marked and persistent of the patterns that characterize our world.” (Cockburn 1988: ‘The gendering of jobs: workplace relations and the reproduction of sex segregation.’)

The segregation of a workforce by sex is a phenomenon, of whose existence cannot be disputed. The concept of male workers exclusively engaging in “male orientated” jobs and female workers entering stereotypically derived “female jobs” is an occurrence that has its origins pre-dating capitalism: “In poll tax returns for Oxford in AD 1380, for instance, mention is made of 6 trades followed by women, 6 in which both women and men were engaged and no less than 81 pursued exclusively by men.” (ibid.)

   The history of the segregation of women in the labour market is an issue I will deal with later on in this essay, but the point being made here demonstrates that, the reality of occupational segregation by sex is nothing new. What are relatively new however, are the sociological, economic, legal and political responses to this form of discrimination. Legislation outlawing sex discrimination such as the 1975 Sexual Discrimination Act (SDA) and Equal Pay Act in 1970, are examples of the reformed way of relating to, and combating the ever-familiar social inequalities in the workplace.

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   The topic of sexual segregation in the workplace has been extensively studied. Throughout this essay I will introduce the historic trends of occupational segregation by sex, the present status of women in the labour market, and future predictions relevant to this idea. I will also discuss the reasons for these trends of segregation, and the linear progression of attitudes towards this discriminatory treatment of women at work.

   In order to ensure a fair and consistent study on this topic, one has to ensure that a variety of different industries are examined. Thus the realization or ultimate rejection ...

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