BLACK-WHITE DIFFERENCES IN THE VALUE OF JOB REWARDS REVISITED

This study examines black-white differences in job values. Previous research has found that, net of controls for social class, the importance workers attach to specific job rewards differs by-race, With blacks more likely to emphasize extrinsic rewards and whites more likely to emphasize intrinsic rewards. These studies, however, have not explored these disparate valuations within the context of a comprehensive model of job values. Using data from several recent national surveys, this study examines whether blacks and whites continue to value different job rewards and,if so, whether factors in addition to workers' social class account for these differences. It is found that regardless of sociodemographic attributes, and independent of the influences of family background, objective class, and job incumbency, racial differences in job values persist. It is argued that past and present patterns of structural disadvantage and workplace discrimination continue to influence the job values of black workers.