Mapping the Occupational Segregation of White Women in the U.S.: Differences across Metropolitan Areas

Résumé

This paper investigates the occupational segregation of white women in the U.S. at a metropolitan area level. Our results show substantial variation across areas and suggest that the national scale does not reveal the real situation of white women. The proportion of white women who would have to shift occupations to achieve zero segregation ranges between 20% in some areas and 40% in others. The consequences that occupational segregation has in terms of earnings also vary dramatically within the country, which suggests that in dealing with labor inequalities, local authorities should play an active role.