Alexandra has recently graduated with a heavy equipment operator diploma from a community college. She had excellent grades, and did especially well in the practical courses. Her co-op work placement supervisor wrote her a glowing reference letter. She cannot understand why even though many of her male classmates have already found work in their field, she hasn't even been offered an interview yet. The only work she has found is as a waitress. What do sociologists call this employment situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Occupational sex segregation refers to the concentration of men and women in different occupations, with women often being underrepresented in male-dominated fields such as heavy equipment operation. This could explain why Alexandra is struggling to find work in her field despite her qualifications and performance. Gender employment inequity and labour market imbalance may also be contributing factors, but occupational sex segregation specifically addresses the issue of gender-based job segregation. The term "construction employment skewing" does not accurately describe the situation described in the scenario.

Alexandra Has Recently Graduated with a Heavy Equipment Operator Diploma