The relationship between career and job opportunities: women’s employment in the hospitality industry as a microcosm of women’s employment

Abstract

Points out that in virtually all cultures and within the majority of organizations, there are differences in the distribution of women and men throughout the workforce, with clear understandings about appropriate work for women and men and which incumbents of posts are in “gender atypical” occupations. States that women managers are a case in point. Explores the dynamics which lead to and reinforce gendered occupational segregation by focusing on the hospitality industry, in which women predominate in the UK workforce but remain under‐represented in management. Postulates that there are three mutually‐reinforcing but distinct elements which influence the allocation or denial of particular work to women: labour cost, sexuality and patriarchal prescription. Presents research findings which suggest that women in “feminized” industries and occupations may face more formidable barriers and prejudices when they seek to develop careers rather than jobs because of the entrenched roles already allocated to women in such employment contexts.