Analysis of occupational data from the 1960 and 1970 Censuses and the Current Population Surveys for 1971-1981 reveals that occupational segregation of men and women declined more rapidly in the United States during the 1970s than during the 1960s. Most of the decline was due to changes in the sex composition of traditionally male occupations.…

Predictions from Polachek's theory explaining occupational sex segregation are tested and found to be false. The data do not show that women are penalized less for intermittent employment if they choose predominantly female occupations. There is no evidence that such a choice is economically rational. (Author/SK)

Using a logit model of occupational attainment, researchers found that economically disadvantaged women who received nontraditional training were much less likely to be employed in male-dominated occupations and received lower hourly wages. Direct labor market discrimination seems to be responsible for the inhibited occupational attainment of…

This study found that occupational sex segregation began to diminish during the 1970s, in conjunction with enforcement of the equal employment opportunity laws against sex discrimination in employment. The success of these laws suggests that discrimination was originally a determinant of occupational segregation. (Author/SK)

Women's expectations of high rates of return to investment in higher education, particularly in nontraditional fields and in those requiring advanced degrees, are shown to be consistent with high levels of investment in these fields. Increasing workforce participation and decreasing fertility also contribute toward reducing the female-male…