A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which type of segregation refers to the underrepresentation of women in higher professional roles?

1. Horizontal segregation

2. Vertical segregation

3. Social segregation

4. Economic segregation

The correct answer is: Vertical segregation

Vertical segregation refers to the phenomenon where women are underrepresented in higher professional roles within organizations, despite being present in the workforce. This type of segregation highlights the disparities in job hierarchy and status, where women often occupy lower-tier positions compared to their male counterparts, who are more likely to hold roles with greater authority, leadership, and pay. This concept is significant in understanding workplace dynamics and the barriers women face in advancing to senior roles. It emphasizes issues such as the glass ceiling, which prevents women from reaching top executive positions, and the structural inequalities that contribute to these outcomes. Vertical segregation focuses on the stratification within job roles rather than the distribution across different sectors or industries, which is why it is distinguished from other types of segregation, like horizontal segregation, which deals with the distribution of men and women across different occupations rather than hierarchies within those occupations.