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On the Natural Intelligence of Women: How the Feminization of Clerical Work Contributed to Gender Pay Equality in Early Twentieth Century Canada (With Louise Lamontagne)

In: Lessons from a Successfully Export-Oriented, Resource-Rich Economy

Author

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  • Morris Altman

    (University of Dundee)

Abstract

The impact of labor market segmentation on gender pay inequality is investigated through the example of the feminization of clerical work in Canada in the 1900–1930 period. We find that female clerical workers were paid well above what they could earn in other sectors, although they were consistently paid less than male clerical workers, albeit they were catching-up. Given that women could seek market employment and had some freedom in realizing their occupational preferences, women flocked into clerical work. Nevertheless, the demand and skill requirements for female clerical workers sufficed to keep the female wage buoyant. Therefore, the feminization of clerical work had no negative impact the negative impact on the gender pay gap in the clerical occupation. Rather, it contributed towards reducing the overall gender pay gap in the pre-Depression period. The sources of gender pay inequality, therefore, must be situated outside the domain of labor market segmentation.

Suggested Citation

  • Morris Altman, 2022. "On the Natural Intelligence of Women: How the Feminization of Clerical Work Contributed to Gender Pay Equality in Early Twentieth Century Canada (With Louise Lamontagne)," Springer Books, in: Lessons from a Successfully Export-Oriented, Resource-Rich Economy, chapter 0, pages 425-459, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-03887-7_14
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-03887-7_14
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