Social inequality in Australia : measurement and theory

Abstract

The debate between functional-structural and conflict theorists ,summarized in terms of its most salient issues, and an alternate theoretical and operational model is proposed from a conflict perspective. Ratings of occupations from a nationwide sample of doctors, lawyers, teachers and social workers are transformed into an occupational prestige scale of 204 titles. Ratings are highly reliable and scores are consistent with previous observations in Australia and elsewhere. In terms of prestige distribution the Australian work force assumes the shape of an extended pyramid, and social inequalities are consistent with observed inequalities of economic class. Australian census data are used to estimate for detailed census categories economic class scores which are then regressed together with other census data on 166 prestige scores to calculate a Duncan type prestige index. In the case of economic class four predictors account for a greater proportion of variance than five predictors in the case of the prestige index. But according to statistical indicators, the prestige index compares favorably with similar indexes by Duncan (1961) and Williams (1971). Sources of economic class and social inequality are not directly identified by predictors. However, consistent with the theoretical and operational model, predictors draw attention to systematic social restrictions in Australian recruitment patterns and demographic concomitants of cumulative disadvantages.