Exploring the Concentration of Women in Blue‐Collar Occupations: New Insights From China

ABSTRACT Tackling the enduring concentration of women in blue‐collar occupations, this paper presents a novel study examining the causal relationship between self‐esteem and female occupational outcomes. To conduct this analysis, we utilise two extensive and nationally representative datasets: the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and the National Survey on Women's Social Status of China (NSWSS). Employing various econometric methods such as probit and logit models, nearest‐neighbouring matching to counter self‐selection bias, and instrument variable techniques to address endogeneity bias, we uncover intriguing findings. The regression results suggest that a lack of self‐esteem contributes to the inclination of women toward blue‐collar occupations. Remarkably, self‐esteem emerges as a more influential factor in determining occupational choices for women in China compared to cognitive ability and the Big Five non‐cognitive abilities. This study not only sheds light on interdisciplinary research but also proposes a fresh approach to mitigate occupational segregation, a major challenge hindering women's progress.