More Men Taking On ‘Women’s Work’ [AUDIO]

As the economy continues its slow recovery, not only are men claiming more than two-thirds of the private sector jobs that are being created, but they're taking on jobs that were previously dominated by women.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hundreds of thousands of them are showing up in the retail sector.

"Many of the jobs men traditionally held in the construction and transportation industries took a huge hit in this economy," said Carl Van Horn, Director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development and Professor of Public Policy at Rutgers University. "Whenever there is a downturn, people tend to take whatever jobs they can get regardless of a pay cut."

Nearly 1.2 million men gained jobs in the twelve months that ended in November, compared with 600,000 women. That's according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retailers have added 216,900 men compared to 9,000 women. Manufacturers have added more than 250,000 men and cut 33,000 women.

"What it means for women is they may be competing more for jobs with men than they ever have before," said VanHorn. "That doesn't mean they won't get those jobs. It just means stiffer competition."

It also depends on the field. "Men and women with some college or less than college will find themselves competing in certain job sectors," said VanHorn. "But, for those particular sectors where higher education or training is a necessity, that may not be the case. For example, nursing is still dominated by women. As the economy continues to recover, men may begin migrating back into the construction and manufacturing industries."