RACIAL-DIFFERENCES IN OCCUPATIONAL-STATUS AND INCOME IN SOUTH-AFRICA,1980 AND 1991

Using data on employed men from the 1980 and 1991 South African Census es, we analyze the determinants of occupational status and income. Whi tes are found to have much higher occupational status, and especially income, than members of other racial groups. Most of the racial differ entials in occupational status can be explained by racial differences in the personal assets that determine occupational attainment (especia lly education), but only a much smaller fraction of the White/non-Whit e income differential can be so explained. Despite a modest reduction between 1980 and 1991 in the role of race in socioeconomic attainment, the overall picture shows more stability than change.