Trends in occupational sex segregation in Hong Kong

This study investigates the recent trends in occupational sex segregation i n Hong Kong. It employs census data for 1991 and 1996 on the occupational d istribution by sex to construct several segregation indexes. Based on these indexes, the relative impacts of the changes in the employment structure a nd in the gender composition of jobs are evaluated. The concentration of me n and women in the occupational structure is also examined. It is found tha t economic restructuring in Hong Kong has brought about subtle changes in t he pattern of occupational sex segregation over time. Specifically, the gro wth of managerial and professional occupations has facilitated the entry of young and better-educated women into these prestigious jobs. The expansion of low-level service jobs has also absorbed a great number of middle-aged women moving from the declining manufacturing sector. Finally, some policy and organizational implications are discussed.