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Occupational prestige: A sex-neutral concept?

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Abstract

This study addresses the generalizability of measures of occupational prestige to men and women. Respondents were asked to evaluate the prestige of occupations and to rate male and female incumbents in these occupations. Results suggest that the general prestige of occupations is best predicted by the sex-typical jobholder. This research demonstrates that the seemingly sex-neutral concept of occupational prestige incorporates strong sex-linked assumptions. Implications of these findings for occupational prestige and for the social sciences in general are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, 3718 Locust Walk/Cr, 19104, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Jerry A. Jacobs

  2. Indiana University, USA

    Brian Powell

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  1. Jerry A. Jacobs
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  2. Brian Powell
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Authorship of this paper is shared equally by Powell and Jacobs.

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Jacobs, J.A., Powell, B. Occupational prestige: A sex-neutral concept?. Sex Roles 12, 1061–1071 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288105

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288105

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