Trends in occupational segregation between women and men in New Zealand
This paper explores changes in occupational segregation in New Zealand using Census data from 1976 to 2023. It finds occupational segregation by gender in NZ has declined steadily since the mid-1970s, indicating a gradual convergence in the types of jobs held by men and women. This was driven mostly by changes in gender composition within occupations (more women entering previously male-dominated occupations) than changes in the occupational mix (for example, contraction of manufacturing and clerical work). The paper discusses the implications of these findings for pay equity in New Zealand.