Employment of men and of women was concentrated in different economic branches in 2006, too.
Destatis, 02 January 2008
Employees subject to social insurance contributions
At quarterly intervals, the Federal Statistical Office publishes figures of employees subject to social insurance contributions (>explanatory notes). The underlying statistics are compiled by the Federal Employment Agency. As shown by the relevant results, a total of about 26.6 million persons were employed subject to social insurance contributions in Germany on 31 March 2007. The proportion of men amounted to 14.55 million, while that of women totalled 12.05 million.
Different branches of economic activity
To facilitate comparisons of employment of men and women in the branches of economic activity, the 17 Sections of the Classification of Economic Activities were grouped for easier interpretation. Grouping was based on the economy’s division into three sectors of activity. The main function of the primary sector is the extraction of raw materials. The secondary sector focuses on manufacturing, that is processing materials and goods to obtain upgraded products. The tertiary sector in turn is characterised by the provision of services. However, grouping in the tertiary sector was not made to the same extent as in the other sectors because the majority of employees subject to social insurance contributions (two thirds) work in this sector.
Not more than 1.4% of all men and 0.7% of all women work in the primary sector (excl. mining). It should be noted that a particularly large number of the persons employed in this sector are not subject to social insurance contributions. They are rather self-employed or family workers. Hence they are not included in the above proportions.
Industry – traditionally a male dominated area
The differences regarding the areas in which men and women are typically employed are most striking in industry which, in addition to manufacturing, also includes mining, energy and water supply, and construction. At the end of September last year, not more than 16.6% of all women were employed in one of those branches, while it was almost every second man (44.7%) who worked in one of the above areas.
More women employed in the service sector
The tertiary sector is the sector where most women work (82.7% of all women employed). The share of men employed in this sector amounts to not more than 53.9%.
However, there are considerable differences regarding the employment of men and women within the service sector, too. While 21.2% of all female employees subject to social insurance contributions are engaged in human health, veterinary and social work activities, the proportion of men amounts to not more than 4.3%. The share of men employed in public administration is 4.6%, thus amounting to a little more than 50% of the relevant proportion of women (8.4%). However, the proportions of men and women employed in trade, hotels and restaurants, transport and communication are very similar (23.0% and 23.8%, respectively). A total of 24.7% of all women and 19.1% of all men work in other service businesses or are service providers themselves. Among other activities, the latter category includes services in households, real estate activities, education, other business activities, and community, social and personal service activities. The latter Section encompasses a wide range of activities such as refuse disposal, cinema activities and hairdressing services.
Conclusion
The above analysis of today’s employment of men and women by sectors has again confirmed the traditional distribution across the sectors of economic activity. However, this distribution should not be put on a level with the actual activity of a male or a female person employed. In industry, for instance, women do not necessarily work in production as such, but may be employed in the commercial department of an industrial enterprise.
Labour market
Areas of employment...
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