ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that Australia research on occupational sociology is meagre. When occupations exist within formal organizations, it becomes important to examine the reciprocal effects of organizational structure on occupational life. Within all occupations there is an occupational culture which, amongst other things, indicates the consensus that exists within the occupation regarding what is seen as being the appropriate sequence of work activities and positions, for those who are concerned with developing a work career. The opportunities available for a person to pursue a career within a particular occupation often vary over time. In occupations which offer individuals a career, and thus vertical mobility, promotion criteria are generally set out explicitly. One of the dominant features of the career patterns of some occupational groups is horizontal mobility. Some occupations offer their incumbents highly structured and orderly career patterns. This is particularly true when work careers are built within bureaucratic-type organizations.
