Narrow Results

Empirical research on occupational segregation has conventionally measured it with Duncan dissimilarity index. This paper adopts an alternative approach — the L index — using the multivariate analysis introduced by Spriggs and Williams, which we extend to explore the impact of economic development on occupational segregation. This enables us to investigate the importance of individuals' attributes in explaining the segregation. Using data from the Labor Force Survey between 1985 and 2005, our results indicate that the L index controlling only for sex is substantial and persistent. However, the full model L index generally implies that occupational segregation has widened after controlling for individuals' attributes. It is found that segregation in the Malaysian labor market is mainly explained by gender, which, on average, accounts for 82% of the segregation. When a measure of macroeconomic conditions and a time variable economic are factored into the model that controls for gender only, the L index remains unchanged.

Construction workers are frequently exposed to awkward work postures and physical demands that can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. There has been limited development of assessment and outreach strategies targeting this highly mobile workforce in general and especially among Hispanic construction workers. We report the prevalence of joint pain from a convenience sample of Hispanic construction workers. A workplace musculoskeletal disorder assessment was undertaken coinciding with construction-site lunch truck visits among 54 workers employed at two large South Florida construction sites. A 45-item questionnaire preloaded onto handheld devices was utilized to record field data. Forty-seven percent of Hispanic workers reported joint pain 30 days prior to interview date, of whom 87% indicated these joint problems interfered with work activities. Over 63% reported experiencing low back pain that lasted at least a whole day during the past 3 months. Right and left knees were the most frequently reported painful joints (both 34%). Musculoskeletal disorders as evident by joint pain, appears to be prevalent among Hispanic construction workers. Workplace ergonomic prevention strategies that reduce musculoskeletal disorders using innovative recruitment and engagement methods (such as during lunch truck construction-site visits) may improve opportunities to reduce joint pain and damage.

Low employability among specific populations (e.g. religious/traditional women, the elderly, disabled workers, and immigrants) has unfavourable consequences on the unemployed individual, society, and the state economy. The latter include poverty, a heavy toll on welfare budgets, diminished growth, and an increase in the ‘dependency ratio’. We suggest a rather novel policy (borrowed from the field of Vocational Psychology) that could lead to successful integration into the labour market of low-employability populations: The design of tailor-made training programmes that respond to work motives, coupled with a working environment that caters to special needs/restrictions, and complemented with counselling and monitoring. The suggested strategy is illustrated using a case study of Israeli ultra-Orthodox women, who exhibit lower employment rates than other Israeli women. The motives behind their occupational choices are explored based on data collected by a survey. Factor Analysis is employed to sort out the motives behind their occupational choices, and regression analysis is used to associate job satisfaction with work motivation. Policy implications are suggested based on the findings. There is already some evidence on the successful outcomes of the proposed strategy.

The Israeli ultra-religious (Haredi) population is estimated at about 12% of the Jewish Israeli population, and is expected to more than double within two decades. The norm in a typical ultra-religious household is that the husband is fully devoted to the study of Torah, while his wife provides financial support for the family. The typical occupation of Haredi women is teaching at schools of Haredi girls — usually in part-time, low-pay jobs. This type of occupation matches their culture and is adjusted to their values, but has unfavorable consequences in terms of labor market integration, poverty, and economic status.

We suggest a rather novel policy (borrowed from the field of Career Psychology) that could lead to more successful integration of Haredi women into the labor market, coupled with elevated job satisfaction and empowerment: The design of tailor-made training programs that respond to work motives; coupled with a working environment that caters to special needs; and complemented with counseling and monitoring.

The suggested strategy is illustrated and investigated using a case study of Israeli ultra-religious young women. The motives behind their occupational choices are explored, based on data collected by a field experiment. Three types of motives behind occupational choice are discussed: (i) a “calling” motive; (ii) intrinsic/internal motives — the interest in work, as a means for self-fulfillment, and self-expression; and (iii) extrinsic/external motives that are related to receiving something apart from the work itself, such as a reward (income) or societal benefits. Based on the empirical findings, policy implications are suggested.

This chapter explores the experiences of, and challenges faced by, women entrepreneurs in Palestine. The critical review of available literature revealed that the politically unstable context resulted in the transformation of traditional gender norms. The high level of unemployment and poverty have pushed Palestinian women to engage in entrepreneurial activities out of necessity. Nevertheless, Palestine still has a very low number of women’s entrepreneurial activities due to the structural and institutional challenges they face. Although many women are highly educated, they still face numerous barriers to entering the workforce, which have a negative impact on their human and social capital. Women entrepreneurs in Palestine not only fight the difficult political and security conditions but also patriarchal norms and structures. Therefore, they demonstrate resilience by defying their contextual embeddedness while contributing to social change. The advancements in technology and the affordability of using social media are creating more opportunities for Palestinian women to start and run businesses. This chapter contributes to the growing literature on women’s entrepreneurship in the Middle East and mainly in under-researched contexts affected by political instabilities.