The Relative Contributions of Changes in Vertical and Horizontal Mechanisms to Overall Changes in Occupational Gender Segregation in the United States, 2006–2019

ABSTRACT Objective In this article, we examine how the expansion of feminized industries impacted horizontal and vertical patterns of occupational gender segregation. Methods We apply Thiel's H to data drawn from the American Community Survey (2006–2019) and run regression and counterfactual analyses. Results Horizontal shifts accounted for 74% of the decline in occupational gender segregation during the study period, while changes to vertical patterns accounted for 26%. Conclusion The expansion of feminized industries appeared to have reduced segregation in recent decades primarily through horizontal, rather than vertical, gender integration.