Occupation and Gender
Occupational differences by gender remain a common feature of labor markets. This chapter begins by documenting recent trends in occupational segregation and its implications. It then reviews recent empirical research, focusing on new classes of explanations that emphasize the role of gender differences in psychological traits, preferences for nonpecuniary (family-friendly) job characteristics, personality traits, and skills. Using detailed data on occupational work content from O*NET linked to the American Community Survey (ACS), the chapter examines how the various job attributes identified in the literature affect men’s and women’s occupational choices and the gender wage gap. Finally, the chapter considers the role of gender identity and social norms in shaping occupational choice and preferences for various job attributes. It concludes with policy implications and suggestions for future research.