Occupations, Organizations, and Intragenerational Career Mobility

TLDR

Intragenerational mobility refers to persistent changes in individuals’ economic or occupational positions over their careers and is closely linked to intergenerational mobility, inequality, and labor market theories, with careers shaped by movements within and between occupations and organizations. The article reviews how occupations and organizations influence careers and intragenerational mobility, and proposes future research directions. The review integrates multidisciplinary research—particularly from sociology and economics—and highlights cross‑national studies addressing social stratification and labor market questions.

Abstract

Intragenerational mobility—persistent or secular upward or downward changes in individuals’ economic positions or occupational standing over their working lives—is intimately related both to intergenerational mobility and inequality as well as to labor market theories and behaviors. Careers are job sequences or patterns of mobility/immobility within and between occupations and organizations, the two major work structures that shape the opportunities available in the labor market. This article reviews research that links occupations and organizations to careers and intragenerational mobility. We emphasize the multidisciplinary nature of contributions to this topic and focus on integrating research by sociologists and economists. We also highlight cross-national research and emphasize the literatures that address questions related to social stratification and labor markets. Finally, we suggest fruitful areas for future research.