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Perceived Occupational Gender Composition: A Census and Exploration

Robert E. Freeland ^a

Lynn Smith-Lovin ^b

Kimberly B. Rogers ^c

Jesse Hoey ^d

Joseph Quinn ^e

^{^a}Appalachian State University, USA

^{^b}Duke University, USA

^{^c}Dartmouth College, USA

^{^d}University of Waterloo, Canada

^{^e}University of South Carolina, USA

Advances In Group Processes, Volume 41

ISBN: 978-1-83608-701-4, eISBN: 978-1-83608-700-7

Publication date: 6 December 2024

Abstract

Purpose

Answering two questions: What do people believe is the gender makeup of different occupations? If there is a systematic difference between the actual and perceived gender composition what factors predict or mediate this difference?

Methodology/Approach

We integrate three occupation-level datasets: ratings of perceived gender composition and cultural sentiments (EPA ratings) for every 2010 Census occupation collected for this study, occupational characteristics from O*NET, and demographic characteristics from the 2015 to 2019 Current Population Survey. Regression models examine the association between sentiments and objective occupational traits on the perceived gender composition net of the actual gender composition.

Findings

While respondents underestimate extreme values, perceptions largely reflect actual composition. Gendered sentiments had a significant independent effect on gender composition perceptions. Examining the relationship between objective occupational features, sentiments, and perceptions allows scholars to better understand the links between structural conditions, gendered beliefs, and social action. If individuals underestimate the extent of gender segregation and view some occupations as more diverse than they are, they may be more willing to consider occupations inconsistent with their gender identity. On the other hand, if they misperceive gender composition because of cultural sentiments, they may choose an occupational course somewhat different from their intentions.

Originality/Value of the Chapter

Research on gender composition typically employs either a macro approach based on governmental statistics or a micro approach that examines a limited number of occupations. This is the first study to conduct a complete census of every Census occupation for perceived gender composition and cultural sentiments.

Keywords

Citation

Freeland, R.E., Smith-Lovin, L., Rogers, K.B., Hoey, J. and Quinn, J. (2024), "Perceived Occupational Gender Composition: A Census and Exploration", Thye, S.R., Kalkhoff, W. and Lawler, E.J. (Ed.) Advances In Group Processes, Volume 41 (Advances in Group Processes, Vol. 41), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 57-77. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0882-614520240000041003

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited