Policy makers are concerned about occupational segregationthe situation where men and women are distributed unevenly across and within occupations, often based on genderfor several reasons: 1. **Economic Inefficiency**: Occupational segregation can lead to the inefficient use of human resources. When individuals are not employed in occupations that best match their skills and abilities purely because of their gender, it can result in a suboptimal allocation of talent across the economy. 2. **Wage Inequality**: Occupations predominantly held by women often offer lower pay and fewer opportunities for advancement compared to those dominated by men. This contributes to the gender wage gap and economic inequality. 3. **Limited Career Opportunities for Women**: Segregation can restrict women's access to certain fields, particularly high-paying and high-status jobs, limiting their career development and economic independence. 4. **Perpetuation of Stereotypes**: Occupational segregation reinforces gender stereotypes about "appropriate" work for men and women, which can influence educational and career choices, further entrenching the segregation. 5. **Reduced Economic Growth**: By not fully utilizing the potential of the entire workforce, occupational segregation can lead to lower levels of innovation, productivity, and overall economic growth. 6. **Social Equity Concerns**: Beyond economic reasons, there is a fundamental issue of fairness and equality