The Problem With Mostly Male (and Mostly Female) Workplaces

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Complete misapprehension of the problem.

It is as if we never discussed the concept of benevolent sexism.

Male trades (such as welder, ironworker, construction, logging, fishing, oil rig work and plumbing) exist because the general cultural assumption is that they are too dangerous, strenuous or unpleasant for women. Because of that, girls are sent to college to avoid them.

Conversely, traditionally female trades exist because of the general cultural assumptions that a) "a man can get a job in a great number of male jobs" (and should therefore not displace any women in the female trades) and b) "women are inherently more nurturing and supportive"

To the extent that supervisors discriminate on that basis, it is for benevolently sexist reasons... which arguably constitute hostile sexist reasons depending on which shoe one is wearing.

Gender segregated workplaces are definitely a problem. Whether it's nursing, teaching or ironworking and diesel mechanics. But the problem is perpetuated by refusing to recognize the reasons.