Documenting occupational sorting by gender in the UK across three cohorts: does a grand convergence rely on societal movements?

Abstract We consider the extent to which temporal shifts have been responsible for an increased tendency females sort into traditionally male roles over time, versus childhood factors. Drawing on three cohort studies, follow individuals born in UK 1958, 1970 and 2000, we compare shift of these cohorts compared males, combined effect a large set variables. For all cohorts, find strong evidence sorting along gendered lines, has decreased yet there is no erosion gender gap occupations with highest share males. Within cohort, little that variables change either average or ability substantively differently. Our work highly suggestive are what matter determining differential patterns seen last number decades, also those remain today. These changes include attitudinal changes, technology advances, policy economic shifts.