A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following demonstrates horizontal segregation in the workplace?

1. Women earn less than men in the same roles

2. Women are less likely to become CEO

3. Women dominate caring and leisure occupations

4. Women are overrepresented in managerial positions

The correct answer is: Women dominate caring and leisure occupations

The correct choice exemplifies horizontal segregation in the workplace because it illustrates the tendency for different genders to be concentrated in specific types of occupations. In this case, women being predominant in caring and leisure occupations indicates a division of labor by gender, where certain jobs are socially constructed as more "appropriate" for women. Horizontal segregation often reflects societal norms and expectations about gender roles, leading to a lack of diversity in certain sectors. For instance, caring professions may be viewed as nurturing roles traditionally associated with women, resulting in a gender imbalance in those fields. This highlights both the occupational segregation that exists and the broader implications of gender stereotypes in the labor market. The other options address different aspects of gender inequalities in the workplace. For instance, income disparities and barriers to reaching top positions are indicative of vertical segregation, where a hierarchical divide exists between genders. The overrepresentation of women in managerial roles, depending on context, may suggest either equality in rate of promotion or could indicate that while they occupy managerial roles, they are still often in lower-ranking positions compared to men. Therefore, the focus of the question on horizontal segregation appropriately aligns with the scenario presented in the correct answer choice.