In many occupations women are doing quite well, but not necessarily in industries that are seen as traditionally "men's jobs." In fact, one long-term study (1990-1995), showed that 2,511 out of 3,200 first-time jobs for new Ph.D. holders in math-related fields, went to men.
According to the Department of Labor (DOL), in 2007, the following occupations shown in Table 1, were dominated by women (percent of jobs by professions, held by women):
Table 1
| Industry Growth for Women's Occupations (1997-2006) | |
| Occupation | Percent |
| Secretaries & Administrative Assistants | 96.7 |
| Child Care Workers | 94.6 |
| Hairdressers, Stylists, Cosmetologists | 92.9 |
| Registered Nurses | 91.7 |
| Teacher Assistants | 91.5 |
| Medical Assistants & Other Healthcare Support | 90.6 |
| Auditing Clerks | 90.3 |
| Maids & Housekeeping Services | 89.2 |
| Home Health Aides | 88.3 |
| Elementary & Middle School Teachers | 80.9 |
| Office Clerks, General | 85.3 |
| Cashiers | 75.6 |
| Supervisors, Office Managers & Admin Support | 73.4 |
| Customers Service Representatives | 68.5 |
| Accountants & Auditors | 61.8 |
It is easy to see in Table 1 that women still have no trouble holding the majority of jobs in “female” industries.
Sources:
Women’s Bureau. “20 Leading Occupations of Employed Women: 2007 Annual Averages.” U.S. Department of Labor. Access Date: April 22, 2008.
Marie A. Vitulli, University of Oregon; Mary E. Flahive, Oregon State University. ”Are Women Getting All the Jobs?” Notices of the American Mathematical Society 44(1997), 338-339.
