Sex-Biased Matching: Women’s and Men’s Labor Market Mobilities Following Major Layoffs In Sweden

While labor redundancies are well researched, few studies have examined the differences in job transition patterns between women and men after layoffs. Drawing on Kanter’s concept of dominants and tokens (that is, persons of over- and underrepresented sexes), this article uses register data to track all individuals made redundant in major layoffs in Sweden between 2007 and 2008 during a subsequent five-year period. The findings show that women are more likely than men to switch sectors and occupations after layoffs, and that the transition patterns into new jobs are not random. The article identifies clear sex-biased matching patterns, indicating that established structures of occupational and sectoral sex segregation are reproduced during the reemployment process. These findings raise important questions for current labor market policies, as people of the underrepresented sex (token workers) seem to be less likely to return to their old job.HIGHLIGHTS In Sweden, post-layoff reemployment tends to reproduce and reinforce gender segregation.Women are more likely than men to switch sectors and occupations after redundancy.Swedish employer–employee data reveal gendered mobility patterns.Reemployment patterns support the revolving door theory of gender segregation.Labor market policies should address hiring bias, workplace culture, and gender mobility.