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Patterns of occupational choice in the Swiss alpine labor market

Author

Listed:
  • Chiara Calabrese1

    (Agroscope Reckenholz-Taenikon ART, Ettenhausen, Switzerland)

  • Stefan Mann1

    (Agroscope Reckenholz-Taenikon ART, Ettenhausen, Switzerland)

  • Michel Dumondel

    (Institute for Environmental Decisions, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule ETH, Zurich, Switzerland)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify different motivational patterns regarding occupational choice among temporarily employed farmers on Swiss alpine pastures, and to determine the extent to which the different patterns correlate with their social background. Data obtained from 120 face-to-face interviews realized in summer 2011 were analyzed by cluster analysis with the aim of identifying groups of employees sharing similar occupational choice motivation values. Results demonstrate the existence of four groups, two of which are much related to agriculture and two others where the occupational choice is almost completely driven by the search for other benefits such as contact with nature or a break from society. The study provides directions for employers and stakeholders aiming at improving the labor market in this region.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Calabrese1 & Stefan Mann1 & Michel Dumondel, 2012. "Patterns of occupational choice in the Swiss alpine labor market," Journal of Socio-Economics in Agriculture (Until 2015: Yearbook of Socioeconomics in Agriculture), Swiss Society for Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, vol. 5(1), pages 31-54.
    • Handle: RePEc:cha:ysa001:v:5:y:2012:i:1:p:31-54
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Switzerland; alpine farming; cluster analysis; occupational choice;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J43 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Agricultural Labor Markets

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