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Occupational Status and Health in Early Midlife

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  • Samuel H. Fishman

    (Baylor University)

Abstract

Much research argues that socioeconomic status—often conceptualized as education, income, and occupation—predicts health via economic and social resources. Yet, there is relatively limited research on occupation and health. This study asks the following question: to what extent does occupation predict adult health? The study answers this question using data from employed early midlife respondents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The analysis finds that higher occupational prestige is correlated with better physical health, mental health, and substance use outcomes. However, the results show no prestige-health associations after controlling for personal education and income. The findings reveal differences in health by occupational type. Those working in construction or production have relatively high rates of smoking and frequent binge drinking but have low BMI. Those working in transportation have relatively poor self-rated health and high rates of functional limitations but are unlikely to report using non-prescribed drugs. These results demonstrate distinct physical health and substance use patterns among specific blue-collar occupations in early midlife.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel H. Fishman, 2025. "Occupational Status and Health in Early Midlife," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 44(1), pages 1-27, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:poprpr:v:44:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11113-024-09933-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11113-024-09933-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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