Status of Occupations

Occupational status and prestige have been one of the most puzzling aspects of labor force institutions. Researchers have consistently documented stable prestige rankings across individuals in ­different economic positions, across different countries, and over time. This is particularly interesting, given the changes that have taken place in the labor market of both developing and advanced industrial nations. That occupational prestige remained consistent, even as women entered the labor force, the demand for education and skills increased, and the sources of manufacturing shifted, remains one of the mysteries for occupation scholars. There also continues to be ongoing debate about the meaning, causes, and consequences of occupational status.

Prestige, in the sociological context, is a particular form of social advantage, power, or endowment, based on incumbency or membership ...