Occupational Attributes With The Highest Minority Domination: Variables Narrowing Or Increasing Interethnic Occupational Differences

Abstract

The occupational profile of the various ethnic groups varies in the United States. The occupational stratification is sometimes based on one’s ethnicity rather than ability. When interethnic occupational differences are attributed to discrimination the result is inefficiency in the labor market. The purpose of this study is to determine the occupations in which ethnic minorities are dominant and the factors which are most significant in either increasing or reducing this dominance. The data consist of 183 Economic Areas (as defined by the Bureau of Economic Analysis). Explanatory variables reflect educational levels, human capital accumulation, social status, government action, and general area characteristic for each groups. Occupational attributes are used to aggregate all occupations, reflecting prestige and satisfaction levels. African-American, Hispanic-American and Asian-American groups are compared to non-Hispanic whites. Males and females are tested separately. The results show that African American and Hispanic males and females are influenced by similar variables. The level of higher education assists the labor position of African and Hispanic American males reducing interethnic occupational differences. The density of the minority group in the area improves the position of their female counterparts. The Asian American group is very different.