The same can be said of many other plant and machine operators, as well as trades workers and labourers. Meanwhile, the most gender-balanced occupations are often seen among sales workers and business and administration professionals. As machine-produced goods took the place of homemade ones, women needed a new source for income.

The industrial revolution created a wide variety of jobs for men; many of these jobs paid more than teaching. In the 1900s, men re-entered teaching as other occupations became acceptable for women, who were able to pursue careers outside of teaching. The feminization of elementary and secondary teaching coincided with educational and societal changes in the mid-1800s.

1. Though teachers have always had an important role in creating new generations of educated, active citizens, they have received little respect for it.
2. Pink collar jobs gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, as more women entered the workforce seeking employment opportunities beyond domestic work.
3. This dominance extends to the current day where a significant number of women continue to work in pink collar jobs.

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Famed educational theorist Horace Mann wanted to match women’s gentle manners, rather than the severity of male teachers, with innocent children. It was only after a child’s mind had become tough that it should be subject to the “firm grasp of the masculine hand” of society at age twenty-one (Grumet, p. 55). The “cult of true womanhood” encouraged women to be self-sacrificing, moral, and to care for children. Society in the late 1800s both distanced mother from child and created the cult of motherhood. Women were isolated in kitchens and nurseries while their children were sent to standardized public schools. “The ideal of the teacher was one who could control the children and be controlled by her superiors” (Grumet, p. 43).

Blue collar workers

This bias can have real-world consequences, such as fewer males entering the profession, and potentially hinder progress towards workplace gender equality. Many pink collar roles involve providing personal services, such as hairstylists, barbers, and beauticians. They specialize in enhancing an individual’s appearance and often work in salons, spas, or private establishments. Florists, who create floral arrangements and offer advice on flowers, are also examples of pink collar workers. One of the first groups fighting for working women’s rights was the Daughters of Liberty, formed in 1765.

The so-called ‘pink ghetto’ confines women to non-managerial roles, leading to assumptions that women prioritize family life over work and thus perpetuating the glass ceiling. Creating robust career development programs within your organization is an effective way of rolling with the changing times and retaining top talent. Other scholars, such as Kim Golombisky, acknowledge the inequalities of women, and especially certain minority groups and different classes, as part of the cause of this phenomenon. Diverse people in the workplace bring unique experiences which strengthen outcomes for employers. Diverse workplaces experience lower employee turnover, showcasing one of the many benefits of prioritizing workforce diversity.

This shift was primarily because these jobs required skills jobs that have been feminized, such as teaching or secretarial work, are also referred to as that many women possessed, such as typing and communication. Generally speaking, these roles often provide a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment, allowing individuals to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Additionally, pink collar jobs can sometimes offer more flexibility in terms of work hours and location, making them an appealing option for those seeking a better work-life balance.

Sociology of Gender

Gender biases can lead to women being passed over for promotions or receiving lower salaries than their male counterparts for the same job. This invisible barrier ultimately hinders women from advancing their careers and achieving equal pay. While gendered norms have become more balanced in most industries in recent decades, stereotypes still exist. There are many benefits to all workers, employees, and companies when people of all genders are included in a diverse range of industries. For the medical industry, having a more balanced representation of employees across all demographics provides a positive workplace for employees and better patient health outcomes (Gomez and Bernet 2019). Addressing equal gender representation in decision-making arenas such as corporate Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the Supreme Court may improve workplace equality for all genders.

Despite being recognized for its labour-intensive nature, tourism has become a beacon of hope for women – many of whom rise to become entrepreneurs – in various corners of the world. Moreover, it serves as an economic diversification catalyst, especially in secluded rural and remote areas. In particular, the food and beverages sector as well as the accommodation sector lead in female employment.