REVISITING THE ROLE OF THE STATE SECTOR IN THE DUAL ECONOMY PARADIGM - ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE WORK STRUCTURES ON EARNINGS

Objective. Although models of industrial segmentation have gained curr ency for explaining inequalities in labor market outcomes, most neglec t or misspecify the state sector. The state sector is also often assum ed to provide more positive earnings outcomes, especially for women an d minorities. This research examines how state sector employment modif ies earnings attainment in the industrial segments of transportation a nd utilities. Methods. Data from the 1992 Current Population Survey ar e analyzed using ordinary least squares regression procedures to asses s the effects of these two structural dimensions independently, additi vely, and interactively. Results. Results show that industrial segment and employment class contribute independently and interactively to ea rnings attainment. Conclusions. A statistically significant interactio n effect indicates that general statements about the level of socioeco nomic rewards associated with either state or private sector employmen t should be viewed cautiously, and that industrial segment and the pri vate versus state sector dimension need to be considered jointly for a better understanding of how multiple work structures affect earnings. Implications for reconceptualizing work and stratification processes are discussed.