Gender Occupational Segregation in an Equilibrium Search Model

Abstract

This paper develops an equilibrium search model to explain gender asymmetry in occupational distribution. Workers' utility depends on salary and working hours, and women have a greater aversion to market hours than men. Simulations indicate that women crowd into shorter-hour, lower-paying jobs than men. If employers discriminate against women, offers are tailored more toward men's preferences; employers require longer working hours, and fewer women work at these jobs. Similarly, if women have a disutility factor in their utility toward positions with a higher proportion of men, fewer women work at these jobs. In both cases, gender segregation is reinforced.

Keywords: Equilibrium Search, Gender preferences, Employer discrimination, Employee discrimination

JEL Classification: E24, J16, J64, J71