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On the Stability of Occupational Rankings

Author

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  • YORAM WEISS

    (Tel Aviv University)

  • CHAIM FERSHTMAN

    (Tel Aviv University)

Abstract

A major puzzle for sociologists is how it can be that societies that differ vastly in their culture and economic circumstances maintain a similar ranking of occupations. Economists have identified a similar stability in the wage structure. The difference in pay of skilled and unskilled workers has been stable over time and is surprisingly similar in developed and undeveloped countries. This article contends that these two phenomena reflect the same basic principle: If workers are free to choose their occupation and level of skill, then differences in culture and in the state of development will mainly affect the number of workers in different activities but not their rewards. In the language of economists, free mobility generates highly elastic supply into different occupations and skills. Therefore, occupational rewards are largely independent of demand .

Suggested Citation

  • Yoram Weiss & Chaim Fershtman, 1992. "On the Stability of Occupational Rankings," Rationality and Society, , vol. 4(2), pages 221-233, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:4:y:1992:i:2:p:221-233
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463192004002007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Fershtman, Chaim & Murphy, Kevin M & Weiss, Yoram, 1996. "Social Status, Education, and Growth," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 104(1), pages 108-132, February.
    2. Aradom Gebrekidan Abbay & Roel Rutten & Hossein Azadi & Frank Witlox, 2018. "How Social Status Contributes to Sustainable Livelihoods? An Empirical Analysis in Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.

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