Occupational segregation by sex in Spain 2001-2011: ten years without progress

Abstract

Contrary to the general idea that occupational segregation is a declining phenomenon, it increased in Spain between 2001 and 2011. We replicate a previous study (Ibáñez, 2008) and compare findings from the Economically Active Population Survey and the Wage Structure Survey. Results suggest a complex situation and raise concern about the continuation of women’s occupational segregation. Women have not been able to access traditional male or skilled high salary occupations, nor new highly qualified and paid occupations in the fields of computer and data science. Hence, labour market segregation is still a source of discrimination between the sexes.