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Author: Harris, Matthew C.
Resulting in 1 citation.
1. Harris, Matthew C.
The Impact of Body Weight on Occupational Mobility and Career Development
International Economic Review 60,2 (May 2019): 631-660.
Also: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/iere.12364
Cohort(s): NLSY79
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing, Inc. => Wiley Online
Keyword(s): Body Mass Index (BMI); Career Patterns; Mobility, Occupational; Obesity; Occupational Choice; Occupational Information Network (O*NET); Weight

This paper 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 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 anti‐discrimination policy treating obese workers as a protected class. While such a policy would reduce gaps in occupational attainment, it would have little effect on the observed divergence in wages between obese and non‐obese workers.
Bibliography Citation
Harris, Matthew C. "The Impact of Body Weight on Occupational Mobility and Career Development." International Economic Review 60,2 (May 2019): 631-660.