Economic Segmentation and the Course of the Occupational Career

Abstract

Although most empirical assessments of the dual economy perspective have been limited to studies of sectoral differences in the earnings attainment process, the theory itself has many implications for status movements during the occupational career. In this article we develop some of these implications and attempt to determine if meaningful differences exist in the careers of workers in core and periphery sectors of the U.S. economy. Using data for a cohort of older U.S. men, we find that significant differences exist in the patterns of occupational mobility in the core and periphery sectors, both between first jobs and midcareer jobs, and between midcareer jobs and late-career jobs. In addition, educational and training factors have a greater impact on status movement at both career stages among workers in core industries.