An occupational hazard? Sex segregation in tourism employment

Abstract

This article presents data from an exploratory study carried out over a 12 month period using qualitative research methods. The study tests theoretical concepts adapted from the model of the 'vicious circles of job segregation' (Collinson et al., Managing to Discriminate. Routledge, London, 1990) in the specific context of tourism organizations. It examines factors which contribute to the sex segregation of employment in selected tourism organizations, and the role of equal opportunities policies in resisting segregationary practices. The findings of this initial research conclude that participating tourism organizations rationalize job segregation in relation to the culture of tourism. In addition, the informality of internal recruitment systems serves to reproduce existing organizational structures. There is evidence to suggest that use of equal opportunities policies can provide one possible means of resistance to such segregation.