The labor participation of women from popular sectors in Argentina: On objective characteristics and subjective experiences

Abstract

As it has been documented by the literature, patterns of segregation according to socioeconomic level and gender in the Argentine labor market (as well as in the region in general) show a marked persistence. In fact, if the female labor force participation rate is still substantially lower than that of men, low-income women are the ones who exhibit the lowest participation levels, the most precarious labor conditions, and substantially limited occupational horizons. In this framework, this article aims to deepen the knowledge of the recent labor situation of this population segment based on a quantitative-qualitative approach. On the one hand, an overview of the main characteristics of low-income women labor participation will be provided based on statistical data. On the other hand, the article seeks to explore the subjective dimension of labor participation of these female workers.Thus, it will inquire about: the perceptions of these women around the limited range of available labor options - identifying the parameters used to evaluate their restricted alternatives; the meaning they assign to the experience of paid work - paying particular attention to the role played by its intersection with domestic and care work; and their work expectations - taking into account the opportunities and obstacles to achieve them.