ABSTRACT
In contemporary America, the type of work a man does, together with the reputation he establishes at work, must be regarded as among the principal determinants of his social rank. In fact, occupation is such an important factor that it is frequently used by sociologists as the principal indicator of social class. Over long periods of time changes of very substantial magnitude occur in the status levels of various occupations. A principal component of occupational status level is the prestige of the occupation. Other important dimensions are money, power, and the nature of the work involved in the occupation. The occupational composition of the some categories is reasonably clear except for the placement of technicians and sales workers. The sociological importance of occupational prestige has led a number of sociologists to ask respondents representing various populations to rank selected occupations.
