DIMENSIONS OF OCCUPATIONS - GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL-INFLUENCES

This study investigates the dimensions of occupation, and distances be tween occupational categories, by using intra-pair differences in adul t occupational position for identical twins reared apart. Status and f arm dimensions of occupation were identified. The results validate the use of occupational status as a dimension of occupational position. T he causes of individual differences for the derived status dimension w ere also evaluated, based on groups of identical and fraternal twins r eared apart or together. Genetic effects accounted for a substantial a mount of the variance in occupational status for men, while shared and non-shared environmental effects were of about equal importance. For women, genetic effects were less important, and shared and non-shared environmental effects accounted for more of the variation. The results confirm that genetic effects are important sources of the familial re semblance often found for occupational status for men.