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Dimensions of occupations: genetic and environmental influences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Paul Lichtenstein ,
Scott L. Hershberger  and
Nancy L. Pedersen
Paul Lichtenstein
Affiliation:
Division of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Center for Developmental and Health Genetics, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Scott L. Hershberger
Affiliation:
Center for Developmental and Health Genetics, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Nancy L. Pedersen
Affiliation:
Division of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Center for Developmental and Health Genetics, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, USA
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Summary

This study investigates the dimensions of occupation, and distances between occupational categories, by using intra-pair differences in adult occupational position for identical twins reared apart. Status and farm dimensions of occupation were identified. The results validate the use of occupational status as a dimension of occupational position. The causes of individual differences for the derived status dimension were also evaluated, based on groups of identical and fraternal twins reared apart or together. Genetic effects accounted for a substantial amount 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 resemblance often found for occupational status for men.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 27 , Issue 2 , April 1995 , pp. 193 - 206
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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