Final answer:
The stark imbalance in gender ratio at Marie's workplace, where 98 percent of her colleagues are female, is an example of occupational sorting, a reflection of societal gender roles and expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marie's experience of working in a hospital where 98 percent of her colleagues are females is an example of occupational sorting. This phenomenon is often a result of societal pressures and cultural expectations, where gender roles and social expectations influence people to work in professions traditionally associated with their gender. The imbalance in the sex ratio in certain occupations can also be attributed to various factors including economic decisions, and in some cases, discriminatory practices. The term 'glass ceiling' can often be connected to this discussion as it refers to an invisible barrier that prevents women from rising to the highest ranks in a profession, further accentuating the skewed gender ratio in top positions.
In some industries, such as law enforcement and politics, men dominate; whereas in care-related occupations like healthcare, childcare, and social work, women are more numerous. Gender inequality persists in many aspects of society, and efforts towards gender equity remain a substantial challenge, affecting not only job distribution but also pay scales and career advancement opportunities.