Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: 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.
DOI: 10.1002/ijfe.3169
Authors: Zhongwu Li, Fengzhi Lu
Institutions: Zhejiang University of Technology, Anhui University
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: G4339554390, G7259236818
OpenAlex ID: W4409439716