The Reproduction of Occupational Segregation Among Young Women

In this research, occupational data from the US Census 1979 Current Population Survey were analyzed to assess the occupational status of young women workers who have entered the workforce since 1970. The majority of both young and older female workers continue to be employed in female-dominated occupations, and patterns of occupational segregation have changed little since 1960. While female workers have made some gains in professional status, these gains are concentrated in professions such as nursing, teaching, and social work. Only 3% of young female professionals are employed in the male-dominated professions of architecture, engineering, and medical practice. More young women than older women are employed in the fields of administration and management; however, again these gains are in the female-dominated areas of health, education, and office work. Female representation has declined in several blue-collar occupations, and women continue to earn less than their male counterparts.