The disadvantage of a sex-segregated labor market: Sex segregation and the availability of work–family benefits

Abstract

This article explores how the sex composition of occupations affects the availability of work–family benefits. Literature suggests that male-dominated occupations may be unlikely to make work–family benefits available. Consistent with the literature, this article found that male-dominated occupations are not likely to offer parental leave or flexible schedules, especially if they are low-prestige occupations. Surprisingly, however, women in male-dominated occupations were especially likely to have parental leave available. Further, occupations with balanced sex compositions offered men better access to parental leave than those in male-dominated occupations and offered both men and women better access to flexible work schedules compared to sex-segregated occupations. The study suggests that efforts to balance occupational sex compositions may result in better availability of work–family benefits for both men and women. It argues that the unequal distribution of benefits discovered within male-dominated occupations creates barriers for women trying to enter these occupations, reinforcing sex segregation in the labor market.