Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers in some detail the occupational implications of automation. It discusses the occupational requirements of work organizations, a matter of increasing importance for occupational careers. The book presents a discussion of occupational prestige and other systems for measuring occupational status levels. It reviews some of the important factors affecting the supply of workers. The book deals with trends and prospects in major occupational categories. It also discusses the relationship between education and occupation pays special attention to the growing importance of education as a means of preparing for occupational roles. It presents briefly the central findings of selected studies of intergenerational and individual occupational mobility. The book also presents the central findings of selected recent sociological studies of educational and occupational aspirations and decisions.