Catherwood LibraryILR School

Job growth for women has occurred fastest in male-dominated industries, a phenomenon that occurs when unemployment remains low, creating tight labor markets that force employers to look beyond traditional applicants. Historically, women have been more willing to move into new occupations, even if they are male-dominated. In contrast, men have been more reluctant to move into female-dominated fields like nursing or teaching. Research from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte suggests that while employers discriminate against women when they apply for male-dominated working-class jobs, men are discriminated against when they apply for any female-dominated jobs, whether blue-collar or white-collar. The three fastest growing sectors since December 2016 have been mining, construction, and transportation and utilities, and during this period women's employment rates rose as well due to moving into these fields. It remains to be seen whether this recent trend in is a temporary measure related to unemployment levels, as was true in 2000 when the proportion of women being hired in male-dominated fields fell as unemployment levels increased, or whether women's share of positions in male dominated industries will continue to rise. The job growth in these sectors will not be permanent, however, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in male-dominated occupational sectors will grow 4.1 percent between 2016 and 2026, half the rate of mixed- and female-dominated sectors. While lean times are helping women find jobs now, their future job prospects will likely remain in female-dominated industries.