ABSTRACT
Around the world, women and men work in different jobs. This chapter begins with an examination of these patterns of occupational segregation and theories about the underlying reasons for them. It includes consideration of both male-dominated and female-dominated workplaces, and the impact of being a gender token in either situation. Included are a variety of issues, such as discrimination, gendered family roles, and beliefs that women and men differ in certain abilities. The chapter outlines an examination of the gender pay gap, which is traceable in part to occupational segregation. It discusses employment discrimination, along with attempts to ameliorate it through affirmative action. One form of gender-based discrimination at work is sexual harassment. Since family roles are strongly implicated in workplace gender inequalities, the chapter focuses on the evolution and impact of the "family-friendly" workplace. Employment discrimination based on sex was once an entrenched and accepted practice.
