The importance of specificity in occupationbased social classifications

• Published in: International journal of sociology and social policy 2008-06, Vol.28 (5/6), p.179-192
• Main Authors: Lambert, Paul S., Leai Larry Tan, Koon, Prandy, Kenneth, Gayle, Vernon, Max Bergman, Manfred
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Classification; Jobs; Social differentiation; Survey
• ISSN: 0144-333X
• DOI: 10.1108/01443330810881231

Purpose This paper aims to present reasons why social classifications which use occupations should seek to adopt specific approaches which are tailored to the country, time period and gender of the subjects under study. Designmethodologyapproach The relative motivations for adopting a specific approach to social classifications are discussed and theoretical perspectives on specificity and empirical evidence on the contribution of specific approaches are reviewed. Also the practical costs of implementing specific social classifications are evaluated, and the authors' development of the GEODE data service gridenabled occupational data environment, which seeks to assist this process, is discussed. Findings Specific approaches make a nontrivial difference to the conclusions drawn from analyses of occupationbased social classifications. It is argued that the GEODE service has reduced the practical challenges of implementing specific measures. Research limitationsimplications There remain conceptual and pragmatic challenges in working with specific occupationbased social classifications. Nonspecific universal measures are adequate for many purposes. Practical implications The paper argues that there are few excuses for ignoring specific occupationbased social classifications. Originalityvalue The paper demonstrates that recent technological developments have shifted the balance in the longstanding debate between universal and specific approaches to occupationbased social classifications.