Women, Work, and Occupational Segregation in the Uniformed Services

Abstract

Occupational segregation is one of many reasons why women who move from welfare to employment fail to achieve self-sufficiency. It is particularly acute in occupations such as the uniformed services (the military, police, fire fighting, and corrections), which offer the salaries, benefits, and security necessary to make financial independence a reality. The evidence suggests that women continue to be underrepresented in these occupations, largely as a result of such barriers as bias, stereotyping, and tokenism; the existence of hostile workplace climates and the influence of workplace cultures; and the lack of adequate workplace supervision. The role of social work in addressing this problem is discussed, with particular attention to issues of public education, working with women and organizations, and policy change.