The author investigates the labor market structure and determinants of salaries for professional basketball players. An expanded version of the resource perspective is used. A three-tiered model of labor market segmentation is revealed for professional basketball players, but other variables also are important in salary determination. (Author/CH)

Three tenets of skill requirements influence understanding of work: (1) they decompose workers/jobs into bundles of skills; (2) the skills identified are required in some obvious way; and (3) they separate workers from work contexts. Case studies of four workplaces suggest the appropriate analytical unit may be the workplace and not the job. (SK)

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)

This article addresses perceptual aspects of occupational prestige evaluations. The data presented are based on the evaluation of a set of occupational categories on six dimensions: power and influence, value to society, standard of living, initiative and autonomy, skills and knowledge, and social standing. (Author/CT)

Uses factor analysis of occupational skill characteristics to derive cognitive and noncognitive dimensions of occupational differentiation. The dimensions are discussed in relation to occupational labor theories. Regression analyses of these dimensions suggest that complexity is the most important determinant of socioeconomic status and prestige.…

The concept of skill is a matter of debate among occupational sociologists. Recent theorists tend to dismiss deskilling theory, but research findings are not yet conclusive. New lines of inquiry involving new technology and social construction of skills are emerging. Greater rigor in research is needed to contribute to policy debates. (105…

Examination of changes in 495 occupations from 1950-1990 shows an increased likelihood of tasks with high levels of complexity and social interaction, decreased likelihood of fine or gross motor skills or harsh climatic conditions. There is evidence that jobs have become polarized on the need for fine motor skills and level of social interaction.…

Worker surveys and interviews with workers, managers, and unions explored the impact of technological change and reorganization at General Motors' plant in Linden, New Jersey. Skilled trades workers experienced skill upgrading and increased responsibility, whereas production workers underwent deskilling and were increasingly subordinated to the…

"Professional" and other occupational characteristics were selected as variables for predicting the earnings of occupational groups. Task complexity and education were significant predictors of occupational earnings. In support of some power theorists, the data suggested that some occupational groups derive additional earnings by influencing their…

Pressures that contribute to conventional definitions of skill are uncovered through identification of sources of gender bias in job evaluation systems. Pay equity initiatives are examined to highlight process by which new definitions of skill are constructed or blocked. Demonstrates that comparable worth research can engender understanding of…