The Occupational Mobility of Female Workers: An Empirical Analysis

Data from three supplemental mobility surveys conducted jointly with the Current Population Survey (CPS) in 1973, 1978, and 1981, were analyzed to investigate the determinants of occupational change by female workers in the American labor force. Results suggest that occupationally mobile female workers may substitute prestige and status for income when changing occupations. Personal characteristics and endowments were also found to be more important on outcomes relative to prior labor market experience. Investments in human capital were found to be particularly important for black female workers who exhibited occupational change.