Essay about Segregation Final Upload

Submitted By jadie5884
Words: 3331
Pages: 14
Open Document
Segregation is present in many societies and it can occur for a variety of reasons (McKeown, 2013). The level and form of segregation can differ considerably from place to place (Lloyd, Shuttleworth and McNair, 2004). For instance, some examples include ethnic residential segregation, gender segregation in the labour market and religious segregation within education (Gorard and Taylor, 2002). The concept of segregation is complex and it is said that within the literature, there has been “a reluctance on the part of those with substantive interests to articulate their concepts and justify their selection of measures” (James and Taeuber, 1985: 24). Gorard and Taylor (2002) suggested that segregation is closely related to notions such as polarization, inequality and stratification. In addition, Anderson and Taylor (2008) defined segregation as the spatial or social separation of racial or ethnic groups, however segregation is said to occur between any social groups (Boal, 1987).

Blackburn (2009) stated that the two main forms of segregation are ethnicity and gender. This essay will focus on these two types of segregation; this will include gender segregation present today in the Irish labour market and ethnic residential segregation in contemporary Ireland. It will first discuss how gender segregation is present today in the Irish labour market, north and south.

The Irish labour market has undergone significant change over the last ten years (Barry and Sherlock, 2008). The level of employment has risen due to an increase in women’s paid employment and increasing levels of migration into Ireland (Barry, Potter and Healy, 2007; Barry and Sherlock, 2008). Gender segregation is concerned with how men and women are separated within different occupations (Blackburn, 2009; Meulders et al, 2010). Furthermore, it is also refers to the positions within employment and work patterns, for instance part-time employment (Potter, 2014). Two types of segregation can be distinguished; this includes horizontal and vertical segregation (Meulders et al, 2010; Potter, 2014). Horizontal segregation is the over or under representation of a certain group in occupations or sectors, whereas vertical segregation refers to the job hierarchy (Meulders et al, 2010; Potter, 2014). This essay will look at horizontal segregation and vertical segregation to determine whether gender segregation is present in contemporary Irish society, north and south.

Gender segregation within the labour market is argued to be an issue within the whole of Ireland (Barry and Sherlock, 2008). Ireland has been described as a patriarchal society (O’Connor, 2000). To put it simply, this suggests that Irish society is dominated by males and that women are exploited (Share, Tovey and Corcoran, 2007). Gender segregation within the workforce reflects and reinforces patriarchal control. In addition, the “values attached to certain skills are in part socially and historically determined” (Barry, Potter and Healy, 2007). This implies that skills and occupations are related to gender norms and that occupations that are identified with women are devalued. Traditional gender norms place the caring responsibilities on women. For instance, in contemporary Irish society, north and south, women’s employment is concentrated in services whereas men dominate areas such as financial, construction and engineering (Barry, Potter and Healy, 2007; Potter, 2014). Women tend to work in areas that are perceived as 'women's work' (Women and Work Commission, 2006); this reinforces gender stereotypes. In the whole of Ireland, women are concentrated in service sectors and that has led to women receiving lower paid occupations (Barry, Potter, Healy, 2007); this may contribute to the gender pay gap within Irish society today. It is these cultural and traditional gender norms that contribute to gender segregation in contemporary Ireland.

Potter and Hill (2009) addressed gender segregation in the Northern
Show More

Related Documents: Essay about Segregation Final Upload

Sociology: Citation and Paper

SOC 102 Race and Ethnic Relations Spring 2012 Final Take Home Examination Deadline: 11:30am Monday May 6th Please answer the following question: Are racial inequalities in the US better explained by race or socio-economic class? BIG hint: when sociologists explain things by ‘race’, really what they are saying is “racism” and other things that are related to race. You must include a bibliography/works cited page at the end of your answer. What I am looking for:…

Words 1326 - Pages 6

Racism In African American Society Research Paper

Smith was responsible for the controversy. They argued that the word sex devalued the worth of of the bill. Although he retaliated by stating the he was in support of the women right movement he was involved with.When it came down to it in the final law for in section 703 it was made it illegal for any employer to discharge or reject any future employee based on race since that would be discrimination . The condition conclude that All workers would not discriminate against anyone who were on terms…

Words 832 - Pages 4

Dentistar Case

Introduction of Dentistar and the problem Dentistar, Inc. was formed in 1985 to provide dental and orthodontic services to subscribers of their prepaid dental plans. This report examines the western region’s office, located in Los Angeles, and its issuance of excessive manual checks that resulted in multiple bank overdrafts. Results indicate that only minimal efforts have been made for internal control measures in this office and companywide, and that weaknesses have allowed the Finance Coordinator…

Words 1814 - Pages 8

The Gentrification Of Historic Central Harlem

The Gentrification of Historic Central Harlem Felecia Pullen Fordham University November 29, 2012 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore a retrospective and introspective view of Central Harlem by some of its most respected leaders. From its historic past to its present gentrification, this paper explores social systems within the conceptual frameworks of its geographical and non-geographical context, human ecology, structural and conflict theories. Interviewed are Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton…

Words 4280 - Pages 18

Essay on TD FOR UPLOAD

INTRODUCTION This assignment will look at the main tourists’ destinations and generators in the world using visitor numbers and how these affect both present and future trends for the destinations, with focus on London as a tourist destination. It will also look at Whitechapel and examine how and why it appeals to tourists and the social, cultural and physical features come into play in attracting visitors. These features will then be compared with two leading tourist destinations in the world.…

Words 4621 - Pages 19