Drivers of Gendered Sectoral and Occupational Segregation in Developing Countries

Occupational and sectoral segregation by gender is remarkably persistent and a major contributor to gender wage gaps. We investigate the determinants of aggregate occupational and sectoral segregation by gender in developing countries using a unique, household-survey-based aggregate cross-country database including sixty-nine countries between 1980 and 2011. Using two aggregate measures of segregation the study shows that occupational and sectoral segregation has increased over time in many countries. It finds that income levels have no impact on occupational or sectoral segregation; trade openness has little impact on sectoral segregation but increases occupational segregation. Rising female labor force participation is associated with falling sectoral but increasing occupational segregation; rising education levels tend to increase rather than decrease segregation. Income inequality is associated with rising segregation. While the overall effects of structural change are small and mostly insignificant, a high share of commerce and services is associated with lower overall segregation.