To understand the occupational segregation of gay and lesbian workers, we examined two hypotheses. Occupational segregation matters because it can lead to inequality between workers and limit the talent pool for employers trying to fill a position. Where does this kind of occupational segregation come from? This question has puzzled social scientists for nearly a century, but it is not simply an academic problem. And there are real occupational patterns behind some popular stereotypes, from the gay flight attendant to the lesbian truck driver.
For example, both gay men and lesbians and are overrepresented in psychology, law, social work, and university teaching.
There is an unusually high concentration of gay or lesbian workers in certain occupations.
