In this video, Christine Bigler explores the concept and roots of labour market segregation.

Labour markets are closely connected to a society’s existing gender norms, relations and stereotypes. These are the roots of labour market segregation. Christine Bigler describes the concepts of vertical and horizontal segregation in the labour market and identifies the characteristics of the informal labour market. She explains that in order to achieve more gender equality in the world of work, transformative policies are needed at global, national and local levels.

Can you think of examples of horizontal and vertical segregation in your own environment? What would be needed to overcome the situation?

Related links

International Labour Organization (2020): Impact of lockdown measures on the informal economy. Brief. International Labour Organization, Switzerland.

International Labour Organization (2018): Women and Men in the Informal Economy: A Statistical Picture. Third Edition. International Labour Organization, Switzerland.

Nolintha Vanthana: The Garment Industry in Laos: Technological Capabilities, Global Production Chains and Competitiveness, ERIA Discussion Paper Series 2015 13.

World Bank (2012): Labour standards and productivity in the garments export sector. A survey of managers and workers. Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Sector Department East Asia and Pacific Region. Report No. 70809-LA. World Bank, Vientiane, Laos, Washington, USA.

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