The aim of this paper is twofold: a) to explore the evolution of occupational segregation
of women and men of different racial/ethnic groups in the U. S. during the period 1940-
2010 and b) to assess the consequences of segregation for each of them. For that
purpose, this paper proposes a simple index that measures the monetary loss or gain of a
group derived from its overrepresentation in some occupations and underrepresentation
in others. This index has a clear economic interpretation. It represents the per capita
advantage (if the index is positive) or disadvantage (if it is negative) of the group,
derived from its segregation, as a proportion of the average wage of the economy. Our
index is a helpful tool not only for academics but also for institutions concerned with
inequalities among demographic groups because it makes it possible to rank them
according to their segregation nature.