Paper short abstract:

This paper investigates the dynamics of gender inequalities in Brazil's labor market and higher education. Using panel data we show evidence of disparities in female participation in STEM and of gender-based occupational segregation by industry and educational attainment. The underrepresentation of women in STEM underscores the need for interventions to ensure equity and capability equality.

Paper long abstract:

Research Context:

In many countries, women have achieved higher levels of educational attainment compared to men in recent years, promising a more equitable future. Brazil exemplifies this trend, as women became the majority in higher education in the 1970’s. However, this progress has not translated into commensurate reductions in occupational segregation and wage disparities between genders. Recent literature shows that technology advancement increases the demand of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals, an area where women have been traditionally underrepresented.

Methodology:

This paper investigates the dynamics of gender inequalities in Brazil's labor market and higher education, employing the Capability Approach to shed light on this multifaceted issue. Using comprehensive survey data from the National Household Sample Survey and from the Ministry of Education (2009-2019), our analysis reveals compelling insights into the evolving landscape of gender disparities in Brazil. We posit that while universal access to higher education expands opportunities and capabilities, it does not automatically mitigate disparities in other dimensions, such as employment or wages. Using survey data for the Brazilian labor market, our regression analysis shows evidence of gender-based occupational segregation by industry and educational attainment. We also investigate the presence of a gender gap in degree-related work within STEM occupations using a Probit model. Our findings contribute to unveil the multifaceted nature of gender-based inequalities in Brazil's labor market and higher education.

Analysis:

We find a significant disparity in female participation across academic fields, with a notable underrepresentation of women in STEM disciplines (ranging from 28% to 33% throughout the period). Although women constitute the majority (57%) of higher education students overall, they represent less than one-third of students in STEM. Conversely, women comprise over two-thirds of students in Education, Health, and Social Services, which are associated with lower wages. We discuss how gender stereotypes influencing the choice of academic fields contribute to the historical male dominance in STEM areas. Women in male-dominated fields often experience microaggressions, resulting in diminished well-being and constrained capabilities. Fostering their inclusion and engagement in these fields, thereby expanding their sense of belonging, holds promise for generating favorable outcomes in both the occupational sphere and broader societal contexts. Using survey data for the Brazilian labor market, our regression analysis shows evidence of gender-based occupational segregation by industry and educational attainment. We also investigate the presence of a gender gap in degree-related work within STEM occupations using a Probit model.

Conclusion:

Our paper introduces a novel contribution by linking educational data to detailed labor market data, and our findings unveil the multifaceted nature of gender-based inequalities in Brazil. By harnessing the capabilities approach, we've illuminated gaps in opportunities that persist despite the educational advancements of women. The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure equity and capability equality. We posit that while universal access to higher education expands opportunities and fosters a more equal distribution of capabilities, it does not automatically mitigate disparities in other dimensions, such as employment or wages. We underscore the paramount importance of designing and implementing policies and strategies that empower women in the pursuit of genuine gender equality and a more inclusive and equitable society. As we move forward, this research underscores the paramount importance of designing and implementing policies and strategies that empower women in the pursuit of genuine gender equality and a more inclusive and equitable society.