Race and inequality at work: An occupational perspective

• Published in: Sociology compass 2021-10, Vol.15 (10), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Nelson, Jennifer L., Vallas, Steven P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: client–service provider relationship; Hierarchies; Inequality; Labor market; occupational community; occupations; Organizational research; Race; race and ethnicity; Race factors; Racial inequality; Racial segregation; Recruitment; Segregation; sociology of work; workplace learning
• ISSN: 1751-9020; 1751-9020
• DOI: 10.1111/soc4.12926

Recent research on racial inequality at work offers fruitful insights on the organizational conditions that reproduce racial segregation, racial disparities in wages, and racial hierarchies in the labor market and the workplace. Much less is known, however, about the specifically occupational influences that impinge on equitable work outcomes by race. In this paper, we explore three processes at the occupational level that relate to racial segregation, racialized access to resources, and status in one's line of work. We review research on racial inequality at work over the last 20 years to elucidate what is known, and remains to be seen, about these occupational processes. First, we review how occupational members get selected, and attempt to self‐select, into occupations via recruitment, licensing, credentialing, or certifications. Second, we consider how occupational incumbents teach, govern and evaluate new entrants, and with what consequences for racial inclusion/exclusion and retention in careers. Third, we examine research on client‐ or service‐based work, and highlight how workers navigate not only their roles, but also racial dynamics, vis‐a‐vis clients. We conclude with suggestions for how future research can harness occupational analysis to advance understanding of racial inequality at work.