Occupation and gender

The sex-specific division of labor in our society implies that men and women differ in career perspectives, occupations, income, status, power, and influence. This sex-specific division of labor is supported and kept strong by processes of socialization. Within the last couple of years a number of interventions were designed to further advance the developmental potentials of both sexes. Despite some progress made over the last few decades in increasing women’s labor force participation and narrowing gender gaps in wages, women still earn less than men, reach the top of the career ladder less frequently, are more likely to work part-time, and do more unpaid work. In this article, we address gender gaps regarding occupational issues, provide explanations and derive practical and scientific implications with the aim of increasing gender equality in the labor market.