  The systematic differences of gender representation across occupations,
gender-based occupational segregation, has been suggested as one of the most
important determinants of the still existing gender wage gap. Despite some
signs of a decreasing trend, there is evidence that occupational gendered
segregation is persistent even though gender differences in human capital
variables have been disappearing. Using an agent-based model we provide a
framework that introduces discriminatory behavior based on labour market
theories of discrimination where workers and firms can exhibit gendered
preferences. The introduction of discriminatory behavior transforms the
otherwise random dynamics of occupational choice into a persistent gender-based
occupational segregation consistent with empirical evidence.
