Occupation has long been studied in the social sciences, particularly in the fields of sociology and psychology. It is an important factor in understanding the structure and dynamics of society, as well as individuals’ mental health and well-being. This article will provide an overview of the research on occupation, including its definition, the various ways it has been studied, and its implications for individuals and society.
Definition
Occupation is defined as the activity in which a person engages to support themselves and their family. It is typically associated with economic production and is often used as a measure of economic status. Occupations encompass a wide range of professions, including manual labor, service work, white-collar jobs, and professional occupations. The International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) is a widely used system for categorizing occupations.
Research on Occupation
Research on occupation has focused on a variety of topics, including its effects on individuals’ mental health, well-being, and life satisfaction. For example, studies have found that having a higher-status job is associated with better mental health, higher life satisfaction, and lower levels of stress (Ahlström et al., 2016; Mancini & Hunter, 2015). Research has also examined the effects of occupation on physical health, with some studies finding that higher-status occupations are associated with lower levels of physical health problems (Ekeland & Schou, 2013).
Other research has explored the relationship between occupation and social capital. Studies have found that individuals in higher-status occupations tend to have greater access to social capital, such as increased access to resources and networks (Girard et al., 2018; Riegelsberger et al., 2015). This can lead to more economic opportunities and better job prospects.
Finally, research has examined the role of occupation in social stratification. Studies have found that occupation is one of the key determinants of social class and is closely related to measures of income, education, and prestige (Granovetter, 1979; Sørensen, 2017). This suggests that occupation plays an important role in the reproduction of social inequalities.
Implications
The research on occupation has important implications for individuals and society. For individuals, occupation is an important factor in determining their economic well-being, mental health, and social capital. It can also be a source of status and prestige, which can lead to increased opportunities and better job prospects.
For society, occupation is an important factor in understanding social stratification and the reproduction of social inequalities. By understanding the role that occupation plays in creating and perpetuating social inequalities, policymakers can create policies that reduce inequality and promote economic and social mobility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, occupation is an important factor in understanding individuals’ mental health, well-being, and social capital, as well as society’s structure and dynamics. This article has provided an overview of the research on occupation, including its definition, the various ways it has been studied, and its implications for individuals and society.
References
Ahlström, G., Salo, P., Virtanen, M., Alexanderson, K., & Kivimäki, M. (2016). Job strain and health-related quality of life: Evidence from the Finnish public sector study. Social Science & Medicine, 153, 81-90.
Ekeland, I., & Schou, M. (2013). Occupational prestige and physical health. Social Science & Medicine, 76, 334-341.
Girard, E., Grusky, D., & Dvornak, R. (2018). Occupational prestige and access to social capital. Social Forces, 97(2), 953-979.
Granovetter, M. (1979). Economic action and social structure: The problem of embeddedness. American Journal of Sociology, 91(3), 481-510.
Mancini, J., & Hunter, M. (2015). Status and mental health: Evidence from the American Time Use Survey. Social Science & Medicine, 142, 1-9.
Riegelsberger, J., McManus, J., & Johnson, M. (2015). Social capital and occupational prestige. Social Science Research, 52, 116-129.
Sørensen, A. (2017). Social class, occupation, and lifestyle: An exploration of the Bourdieuian concept of ‘habitus’. Sociology, 51(3), 514-531.