Abstract

The gender equality and its influence on regional economic growth is increasingly at the forefront of economic literature, while remaining underexplored in regional sciences. Despite various studies having explored the relationship between regional specialization and growth, gender has not been considered as an interpretative variable. Several analyses have shown gender segregation in economic sectors, with women predominantly employed in commerce, healthcare, and education. This segregation can become problematic when it translates into differences in wages and job security. Women often find themselves in less secure sectors and encounter vertical barriers in their career progression. The origins of gender segregation are complex and include social, economic, and cultural factors. This study aims to explore the relationship between productive specialization and gender segregation, as well as the impact of gender segregation on regional growth, with a particular focus on the southern regions of Italy, where the gender gap appears to be accentuated.