Future Occupational Research Research Articles

Occupational prestige and occupational social value in the United Kingdom: New indices for the modern British economy

Sociological research has long been interested in occupational evaluation. However, occupational research remains hampered by conceptual ambiguity and methodological problems. To address these issues, we present new indices of occupational prestige and occupational social value for 576 occupation titles aligned with the ILO International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08). A shorter core list with 130 occupation titles – one per ISCO-08 minor group – is also provided. Based on comprehensive and recent evidence from 2429 respondents, we carve out the evaluative landscape of occupations in the United Kingdom. We show how occupational prestige and occupational social value are correlated but distinct. A clear hierarchy appears, with highly educated occupations at the top and stigmatised or illicit occupations at the bottom. The study thus contributes to social stratification research and encourages reuse of the scores in future occupational research.

Muskuloskeletal aldring, arbejdsevne og "sundhedsbrøken"

Physical activity in leisure-time is recommended by authorities as healthy while physical activity at work is often considered to be harmful to your health. In Denmark the term ‘nedslidning’ is used to describe the gradual physical deterioration due to exposures in the work environment. This article presents a review of the literature about physical work and health, and the historical and present use of the term ‘nedslidning’ is described. Instead of using the not vey specific term ‘nedslidning’, the article suggests that the process of deterioration is seen as part of the musculoskeletal ageing process. The reader is presented to a ’life course perspective’ on the aging process and to a ‘life course perspective’ on the relationship between the physical activity in work life and the following physical function in midlife. The paper concludes with a recommendation of the use of these perspectives in future occupational research and in daily life, where professionals are working with the relationship between work environment and health.

Shift work: In search of the workers’ perspective

Abstract This literature review aims to present the current research regarding shift work, and to set the scene for future occupational research in this area. The reductionist paradigm from which the majority of previous research has emerged is critiqued. Recent research findings are discussed including Australian statistics regarding shift workers, the physical and social implication of working shifts, and the reasons why individuals work shifts. Questions are raised regarding shift workers and their allocation of time within their lifestyles. The case for further qualitative occupational science research is presented in order to gain further understanding regarding the experience of shift work. This research, it is suggested, would increase our understanding of the human ability to manipulate the meaning of time and activity, which plays a vital role in understanding our relationship with work.