Unpacking gender and race segregation along occupational skills and socio-economic status in Brazil

Ben-Hur Francisco Cardoso, Laís Souza, Flávio L. Pinheiro (), Liana Bohn and Dominik Hartmann ()
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Ben-Hur Francisco Cardoso: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Economia e Relações Internacionais
Laís Souza: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Economia e Relações Internacionais
Flávio L. Pinheiro: Universidade Nova de Lisboa, NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS)
Liana Bohn: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Economia e Relações Internacionais
Dominik Hartmann: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Economia e Relações Internacionais

Nature Human Behaviour, 2025, vol. 9, issue 11, 2261-2270

Abstract: Abstract The occupational specialization of social groups is closely tied to gender, racial and class identities, segmenting the labour market into perceived White/Black and male/female roles and skill sets. Using data from 100 million formal workers in Brazil (2003–2019), we examine patterns of occupational segmentation across 426 occupations, identifying distinct skill demands and socio-economic statuses linked to race/skin colour and gender. Classifications of ‘male’ or ‘female’ occupations are shaped by required skills, whereas distinctions between ‘White’ and ‘Black’ occupations reflect socio-economic status and historical inequalities. Women and men are segmented by gender-associated skill sets, such as engineering versus caregiving skills. Within these skill sets, strong hierarchical segregation persists, with Black individuals disproportionately concentrated in positions of lower socio-economic status. Despite recent socio-economic changes, occupational specialization patterns have remained stable. Our findings highlight that the strong association between race and lower-status occupations must be addressed for a more inclusive society.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02272-9

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