Changing Work, Unchanged Status: Occupational Prestige in the U.S., 1989-2012

• In Event: Organizations, Occupations, and Work Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 2: Exploring Occupations

Abstract

Since the 1980s, U.S. labor markets have undergone profound structural changes. While much is known about growing wage gaps between occupations, far less is understood about trend in social status of occupations, measured through occupational prestige. Drawing on the 1989 and 2012 GSS prestige modules and occupational characteristics data from O*NET and the CPS, this study examines evolution in prestige hierarchy and the role of occupational attributes in shaping continuity or change in new era. Findings reveal that, despite dramatic changes in labor markets, occupational prestige hierarchy and evaluative criteria in the U.S. has remained largely stable. The public has primarily used wage and educational training of incumbents as the central criteria in evaluating an occupation’s social standing. However, findings also indicate non-routine cognitive task has been evaluated less positively in prestige evaluation in 2012, which may reflect the rising populism since the late 2000s financial crisis.

Author

• Letao Wang, Washington University in St. Louis