GETTING AHEAD IN URBAN CHINA

Argues that structural segmentation is a universal phenomenon in all complex societies and across political economies. Furthermore, it is argued that segmentation identification constitutes a critical destination status for individuals engaged in the status-attainment process. A representative sample of the working population in Tianjin, is analyzed to show that entrance into the core sectors, rather than the job per se, constitutes the primary goal of status attainment. Entering into a more desirable work-unit sector in China takes on differential significance and process for males and females. Also, upward occupational mobility across sectors (from the peripheral to the core) between first and current jobs is substantially greater among male workers (over 60%) than among female workers (20%). Likewise, males benefit more from social resources in the job search than females. These findings shed light on the significance of political economy in defining statuses and the viability of the industrialization-attainment thesis. -from Authors