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Human Capital Assets and Structures of Work in the US Metropolitan Hierarchy (An Analysis Based on the O*NET Information System)

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  • Allen J. Scott

    (Department of Public Policy and Department of Geography, UCLA, Los Angeles, ajscott@ucla.edu)

  • Agostino Mantegna

    (Department of Geography, UCLA, Los Angeles, amantegna@ucla.edu)

Abstract

The O*NET database provides a wealth of information on the qualitative aspects of different occupations. On the basis of these data, we carry out an investigation of the forms of human capital and work that can be found at different levels in the urban hierarchy of the United States. The study proceeds, first, by means of factor analysis of the original O*NET data, second, by constructing a derivative set of indexes of human capital and work activities for metropolitan areas, and third, by subjecting these indexes to multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that human capital and work activities in US metropolitan areas vary systematically across the urban hierarchy, as revealed by the relative concentration of occupations that rely heavily on cognitive and behavioral resources at the top end of the hierarchy and a relative concentration of occupations that rely on physical work at the bottom. However, there are some important exceptions to this general pattern.

Suggested Citation

  • Allen J. Scott & Agostino Mantegna, 2009. "Human Capital Assets and Structures of Work in the US Metropolitan Hierarchy (An Analysis Based on the O*NET Information System)," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 32(2), pages 173-194, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:inrsre:v:32:y:2009:i:2:p:173-194
    DOI: 10.1177/0160017608329852
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Christopher R. Berry & Edward L. Glaeser, 2005. "The Divergence of Human Capital Levels Across Cities," NBER Working Papers 11617, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

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    7. Allen J. Scott, 2010. "Space-Time Variations of Human Capital Assets Across U.S. Metropolitan Areas, 1980 to 2000," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 86(3), pages 233-249, July.

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