Comparison of detailed occupational structure of the labor force over four censuses shows that in all four majority of workers were employed in small number of occupations; 1950s-70s saw significant shifts of 10-15 percent of labor force into different occupational categories; and 1980s share of labor force for most occupations was substantially…

Early nineteenth-century occupational classification originated in political debates of the time and was designed to illustrate the work and social status of groups with political power. The labor of women and slaves was not adequately accounted for, explaining some of the problems in the current occupational structure. (SK)

Analysis of six books on workplace change indicates (1) workplace data collection and social stratification measures must change; (2) definition of unemployment is becoming amorphous; (3) studies of gender/racial inequality should consider networking and recruitment issues; (4) disillusioned workers should be studied; and (5) political and social…