femaledominated

Femaledominated, also written as female-dominated, refers to a social, organizational, or occupational composition in which women constitute a majority of participants, workers, or leaders. The term is descriptive rather than evaluative and is used to characterize distributions of gender within a given domain. Definitions of what constitutes a “majority” can vary: some observers use a simple over-50 percent threshold, while others employ higher cutoffs such as 60 percent or more.

Common examples include occupations such as nursing, elementary education, and social care, which have had high female representation in many countries. In some organizations or sectors, women may be the majority on staff, in leadership positions, or in advisory roles. Conversely, many sectors—such as parts of manufacturing, construction, or technology—remain male-dominated in many regions. These patterns are influenced by historical norms, education, labor market policies, and cultural expectations and can change over time.

Interpretations of femaledominated patterns often consider implications for pay, advancement, and workplace culture. Female dominance in a field can intersect with other axes of inequality, including race, class, age, and immigration status, shaping experience and opportunities. Critics note that labeling a domain as “female-dominated” should not obscure persistent gender disparities, such as wage gaps or glass ceilings, and should be part of broader analysis of labor markets and power.

Overall, femaledominated describes gender composition rather than a value judgment or social ordering. It highlights where women constitute the majority and invites inquiry into causes, consequences, and trends across societies and time.