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Choosing a Measure of Occupational Standing

Author

Listed:
  • JOHN ROBERT WARREN

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • JENNIFER T. SHERIDAN

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • ROBERT M. HAUSER

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Abstract

Does the choice of measure of occupational standing affect inferences about gender differences in occupational attainment? The authors use data from the 1994 General Social Survey and the 1986-1988 Survey of Income and Program Participation to analyze the role of gender in the process of occupational attainment 15 times, each time using a different measure of occupational standing. Composite indexes of occupational standing are too heterogeneous to be useful in studies of occupational stratification, especially studies of gender differences. Women often have higher levels of education than men in the same occupation, while the opposite is true for earnings. Thus, using a composite index, the relative standing of men's and women's occupations is an arbitrary function of the weights given to occupational education and earnings. It is preferable to index occupations separately by each of their socioeconomic characteristics, or to use other, more direct measures of occupational characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • John Robert Warren & Jennifer T. Sheridan & Robert M. Hauser, 1998. "Choosing a Measure of Occupational Standing," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 27(1), pages 3-76, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:27:y:1998:i:1:p:3-76
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124198027001001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Grusky & Thomas DiPrete, 1990. "Recent trends in the process of stratification," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 27(4), pages 617-637, November.
    2. Goldin, Claudia, 1992. "Understanding the Gender Gap: An Economic History of American Women," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195072709.
    3. Mary Powers & Joan Holmberg, 1978. "Occupational status scores: Changes introduced by the inclusion of women," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 15(2), pages 183-204, May.
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