The term describes occupations historically dominated by women. These roles often involve care-oriented services, such as nursing, teaching, secretarial work, and childcare. Such positions are typically characterized by lower pay and limited opportunities for advancement compared to careers in fields traditionally held by men.
Understanding this classification is important for addressing gender disparities in the workforce. Recognizing these roles helps illuminate historical patterns of occupational segregation and contributes to ongoing efforts to achieve pay equity and create more diverse career pathways. The concept allows for analysis of societal expectations regarding gender roles and their influence on career choices, revealing ingrained biases within the labor market.
