Duncan's interpretation of his research on the nature and process of the distribution of rewards in the U.S. stratification system is questioned. Statistical and conceptual flaws are noted in Duncan's work and their implications explored. A reanalysis of primary survey data is presented and, based on a reinterpretation of this data, a…

A theoretical model based on path analytic logic was used to examine the relative influences of social origin and significant other influences on marital, fertility, and educational plans. Parents' education and the major family income-earner's occupation were used as measures of social origin; perceived encouragement by parents, teachers,…