Professional Paths and Occupational Segregation by Gender in the Healthcare Sector: A Qualitative Study on Medical Residents and Nursing Students

Abstract

The focus of this article is on the multifaceted phenomenon of occupational segregation by gender in the healthcare sector. This qualitative study aims to investigate how individual factors, such as educational and professional choices, ambitions, expectations about the future, and motivations may contribute to occupational segregation by gender in the healthcare sector. The semi-structured interviews involved 40 people among medical residents and nursing students living in Italy. The results showed that individual, cultural, and organizational factors intertwine influencing career decisions and trajectories. The interviewees identified different key people when deciding on the specialisation or university course and during their educational path. Furthermore, in both nursing and medicine, female interviewees experienced episodes of discrimination, sexist comments, and comments on physical appearance. Finally, in light of the changes occurring in both fields, the article reflects on the devaluation of women’s work and the importance of removing the stigma of men in female-dominated jobs.

Keywords: occupational segregation, gender, healthcare, gender inequalities, professional path.