Analysis of the Gender Segregation of Labor in Higher Education of Kazakhstan: Regional Aspect

Abstract

Gender inequality remains a pressing issue in Kazakhstan, with vertical and horizontal segregation resulting in unequal pay and the representation of men and women in different professions. To achieve equal access to labor, social and institutional resources, the state’s economic policy aims to address this problem. Data collected from 2016-2021 from the electronic portal of the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan showed that women dominate public education schools and higher education institutions. However, there have been minor changes in the percentage of male and female teachers and faculty members. The Duncan index, which measures gender segregation, showed a difference of 17.1 percentage points between the proportion of male and female teachers in general education schools and male and female faculty members in higher education institutions. At the same time, the field of education is one of the lowest paid in Kazakhstan. The article’s main results highlight the unequal opportunities for women compared to men. Occupational segregation can also be geographically considered, taking into account the burden of housekeeping. Rural women experience more occupational discrimination than their urban counterparts. Addressing the gender disparity in higher education faculty is essential to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia and beyond. Gender equality in higher education is critical for social and economic progress, as research and education are the primary drivers of innovation and development.