Patterns of Sex Desegregation in Managerial and Professional Specialty Fields, 1950-1980

Sex desegregation in over 100 managerial and professional specialty occupations were examined during the periods 1950-1960, 1960-1970, and 1970-1980. Three patterns of desegregation were theoretically derived and empirical support for each of them was found: female entry into male fields, male entry into female occupations, and the gender-switching process in which a field is left by men and entered by women. Rapid growth was found to be associated with the first two patterns, and declines in occupational size with the last. Findings indicated that desegregation is both widespread and increasing in higher status fields. Nevertheless, desegregation rates are higher in occupations which pay men less and which are declining in size. The highest-paying fields continue to be more resistant to sex desegregation.