Sex, gender, biology, and work

Abstract

Women are entering the paid workforce in increasing numbers and breaking into traditionally male occupations, causing a demographic shift in the work force. Moreover, because women have attained greater reproductive freedom with birth control, they are no longer tied by biologic necessity to reproduction and child care. As a result, some of the underlying assumptions about women and work have been challenged. This chapter explores the biologic differences between men and women and how these differences may affect job capacity and compatibility. It also reviews the controversy over gender roles and resulting occupational segregation and pay disparity.