Trends in Occupational Segregation by Gender in Japan: The Role of Population Aging

Ryota Mugiyama , University of Tokyo
Fumiya Uchikoshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Occupational segregation by gender has long been a concern. In this study, we examine understudied, but a potentially important aspect of demographic change which may affect the trend of occupational segregation - population aging. Changes in age composition are thought to affect occupational distribution when the age of workers is strongly related to their occupational choices. Japan is a particularly interesting case because of its growing elderly population, higher labor force participation rate, and seniority system. We examine the role of population aging on trends in occupational segregation by gender, using Japanese census data. Our empirical results are as follows. First, among the working age population, occupational segregation is mostly higher in age 45-59 than other groups. Second, occupational segregation sharply declines after aged 60 and over. Third and finally, an increase in the elderly population contributes to the decline in occupational segregation.

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 Presented in Session 8. Economy, Labor Force, Education, & Inequality