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CHAPTER 3
OCCUPATIONS: INFORMATION AND THEORY
Labor market information about the U.S. labor market is plentiful and describes many aspects of
employment and unemployment.
Models or theories have been developed that point out inequities or obstacles in the labor market
that may affect the earnings or success of different individuals.
THE UNITED STATES LABOR MARKET
Labor market B serves to fulfill the needs of citizens of a state, a nation, and/or the world.
Job availability is related to the demand of individuals for food, shelter, clothing, etc.
Professional specialties are the groups most likely to increase in demand for jobs.
SOCIOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC APPROACHES
Sociological and economic approaches emphasize the study of social organizations whereas
psychology focuses on individuals, not organizations.
Sociology studies the development, organization, and operation of human society. Examine
family, cultural, and other social factors that predict career choice as well as variables such as
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
Not a homogenous group, ages 15-24 often used
Girls only make 70-75% of what boys make, less disparity in 12th grade
Differences in motivation for work
THE EFFECT OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Having an unchallenging job may lead to a loss of intellectual skills.
Substantive complexity B The degree to which the work requires thought and independent
judgment.
Substantive complexity increases intellectual functioning of employees.
STATUS ATTAINMENT THEORY
The role of achievement and social status influences occupational selection
Focused on intergenerational change (vertical mobility) and predicting an individual’s
HUMAN CAPITAL THEORY
Individuals invest in their own education and training so that they will receive increased life-
time earnings.
Career earnings: function of ability, education and training, combined with the effort to
produce effectively.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE LABOR MARKET
Disadvantaged and underprivileged groups tend to enter different types of jobs from those who
are more privileged.
Classifies both firms and labor markets into two basic groups: primary (core) and secondary
WOMEN AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Discrimination leads to lower pay, less advancement, and occupational segregation leads to
working in jobs less prestigious than those held by men.
Women have similar unemployment rates to men but move in and out of the labor force more
frequently than men.
CULTURALLY DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Unemployment rate for African Americans and Latinos in 2011 was much greater than rates
for Caucasians and Asians. (Table 3.2, p.78).
Relatively few Hispanics and African Americans in high-skill jobs. (Table 3.3, p.79).
African American men have higher unemployment rates because of fewer opportunities for
less-educated workers.
