Glass Boundaries - Gendering the labour market - costs of occupational and educational segregation

Project facts

Project promoter:
Centro de Estudos Sociais da Universidade de Coimbra(PT)
Project Number:
PT-WORKLIFE-0012
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€53,867
Donor Project Partners:
Institutt for samfunnsforskning(NO)
Other Project Partners
CH Business Consulting
SA(PT)
Nova Ágora - Centro de Formação de Associação de Escolas(PT)

Description

The aim of the project is to gather evidence that support proposals for action aiming the reduction of the economic and social costs of segregation, an objective in line with the National Strategy for Equality and Non-discrimination that combats discrimination based on sex and promotes equality between women and men. The project assumes an integrated approach in order to identify the multiple aspects of segregation, in the labour market and on vocational choices, and the way they influence economic inequalities between women and men.
Based on different research methods, and anchored in a differentiated network of partners (a Norwegian research centre, an association of schools’ training centre and a consulting company), the project has the following specific objectives:

  • To characterize the recent evolution of the sexual segregation of occupations in Portugal, in the horizontal, vertical and transversal perspectives;
  • To determine the impact of employment segregation on earnings inequality between men and women, using a simulation technique based on multiple linear regressions;
  • To characterize the sexual segregation of vocational and artistic education in public secondary schools and its regional patterns;
  • To characterize the sexual segregation in the choices of applicants for public higher education;
  • To estimate the influence of the socio-professional status of the family of origin on educational choices in secondary and higher education for boys and girls
  • To identify determinants of professional and educational choices from the perspective of key stakeholders in the areas of employment, education and training; to diagnose bottlenecks to the desegregation of the training and employment system and also to identify policy measures to overcome these blockages;
  • To analyse the implications and the challenges of policies aimed at the desegregation of the labour market and education / training system based on the results of the different project activities.

Summary of project results

This project aimed to examine how gender segregation in the job market and career choices affect economic inequalities between women and men. The goal was to use the findings to develop proposals that could help reduce the economic and social costs associated with gender segregation.

  • Described the evolution of gender segregation in professions in Portugal from 2011 to 2018.
  • Analyzed how job gender segregation affects wage inequalities between men and women.
  • Examined gender segregation in vocational and artistic education in public secondary schools, including any regional patterns.
  • Investigated gender segregation in the choices of students applying to public higher education.
  • Estimated the influence of family socio-professional status on the educational choices of boys and girls in secondary and higher education.
  • Identified key factors influencing career and educational choices from the perspective of main stakeholders in employment, education, and training to diagnose barriers to desegregation and suggest appropriate policies.
  • Analyzed the implications and challenges for public policies aimed at desegregating the labor market and the education/training system.
  • Developed public policy recommendations and concrete intervention proposals in line with national policies and international commitments.
  • The project directly addressed gender segregation in the labor market and vocational choices. The Promoting Entity highlighted that gender segregation is a significant factor in economic inequality between women and men. By conducting a comprehensive study on the impacts of this segregation and proposing intervention measures to promote desegregation and mitigate its negative effects, the project is actively contributing to reducing economic and social disparities. The proposed actions were implemented, demonstrating a practical commitment to tackling this inequality.

  • The project partnered with the Institute for Social Research (ISR) in Oslo, Norway. This partnership included a joint workshop and participation of both the project team and ISR representatives in the final seminar. The presence of the Norwegian ambassador in Portugal at the final seminar highlighted the importance of this collaboration, according to the Promoting Entity.

Summary of bilateral results

The project partnered with the Institute for Social Research (ISR) in Oslo, Norway. This partnership included a collaborative workshop and participation of both the project team and ISR representatives in the final seminar. The presence of the Norwegian ambassador in Portugal at the final seminar highlighted the importance of this collaboration.The partnership with ISR enriched the project through the exchange of experiences and discussions on policy recommendations based on academic knowledge and the experiences of donor countries. According to the Promoting Entity, this international cooperation will pave the way for future joint projects, ensuring ongoing efforts towards desegregation.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.