Stratification Economics and Occupational Prestige: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach

A number of researchers in various fields of study have made important contributions regarding labor market disparities. While the notion of occupational prestige is mentioned, it, generally speaking, has been understudied and underused when studying disparities and inequities in the U.S. As social comparisons of distinct categories of social standing can illuminate the degree to which there are social gradients, we analyze occupational prestige disparities by race/ethnicity and gender, and the intersection thereof, after controlling for relevant sociodemographic factors. This analysis focuses on the differentials between industry classifications and also within specified occupational groupings. Such social standing differentials by gender and race/ethnicity are important to address as they influence social mobility and social positioning. Hence, such differentials have wide ranging implications regarding the distribution of social resources and life chances, which can translate into nested sets of social inclusion and exclusion. We seek to further illuminate economic and social disparities in the labor market by noting that, such differentials are not explanatory on the basis of personal responsibility or cultural practices, unlike the stance usually taken by public policy discourse. We argue that a more holistic approach is needed when analyzing gender and racial/ethnic disparities in labor market outcomes.