THE IMPACT OF BODY WEIGHT ON OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Harris, Matthew C.
• 署名单位: University of Tennessee System; University of Tennessee Knoxville
• 刊物名称: INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0020-6598
• DOI: 10.1111/iere.12364
• 发表日期: 2019
• 页码: 631-660
• 关键词: fast-food availability; physical-activity; obesity; MODEL; attainment; GENDER; wages; work; DISCRIMINATION; Restaurants

摘要

This article examines the relationship between individuals' weight and employment decisions over the life cycle. I estimate a dynamic stochastic model of individuals' annual choices of occupation, hours worked, and schooling. Evidence suggests that heavier individuals face higher switching costs when transitioning into white-collar occupations, earn lower returns to experience in white-collar occupations, and earn lower wages in socially intensive jobs. I simulate a hypothetical antidiscrimination policy treating obese workers as a protected class. Although such a policy would reduce gaps in occupational attainment, it would have little effect on the observed divergence in wages between obese and nonobese workers.