Women in the labor force : a study of female occupational mobility

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of five selected factors on the occupational mobility of women. Secondary data used in the analysis are derived from field studies of female careers undertaken in two large bureaucratic organizations. Utilizing exchange theory as an analysis framework, labor force participation is conceptualized as a macro-social exchange relationship. In the model occupational mobility is perceived as influenced by the factors of regularity of employment, level of occupation, length of experience, marital status and extent of employments. Occupational mobility is conceptualized as individual-specific and populationspecific. Comparative methodology is used to determine associations between variables. Findings reveal that level of occupation is a key determinant in the career progress of women.