The Impact of Early Occupational Choice on Health Behaviors

68 Pages Posted: 28 Feb 2011 Last revised: 1 Jun 2023

See all articles by Inas Kelly

Inas Kelly

Loyola Marymount University; National Bureau of Economic Research

Dhaval Dave

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) - NY Office; Bentley University - Department of Economics

Jody L. Sindelar

Yale University - School of Public Health

Bill Gallo

Yale University

Date Written: February 2011

Abstract

Occupational choice is a significant input into individuals' health investments, operating in a manner that can be either health-promoting or health-depreciating. Recent studies have highlighted the potential importance of initial occupational choice on subsequent outcomes pertaining to morbidity. This study is the first to assess the existence and strength of a causal relationship between initial occupational choice at labor entry and subsequent health behaviors and habits. We utilize the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to analyze the effect of first occupation, as identified by industry category and blue collar work, on subsequent health outcomes relating to body mass index, obesity, alcohol consumption, and physical activity in 1999-2005. Our findings suggest that initial occupations described as craft, operative, and service are related to higher body mass index and obesity later in life, while labor occupations are related to higher probabilities of smoking later in life. Blue collar work early in life is associated with increased probabilities of obesity and smoking, and decreased physical activity later in life, although effects may be masked by unobserved heterogeneity. Few effects are found for the effect of initial occupation on alcohol consumption. The weight of the evidence bearing from various methodologies, which account for non-random unobserved selection, indicates that at least part of this effect is consistent with a causal interpretation. These estimates also underscore the potential durable impact of early labor market experiences on later health.

Suggested Citation

Kelly, Inas and Dave, Dhaval and Dave, Dhaval and Sindelar, Jody L. and Gallo, William, The Impact of Early Occupational Choice on Health Behaviors (February 2011). NBER Working Paper No. w16803, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1768561

Inas Kelly (Contact Author)

Loyola Marymount University ( email )

7900 Loyola Boulevard
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United States

National Bureau of Economic Research ( email )

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Dhaval Dave

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) - NY Office

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Bentley University - Department of Economics ( email )

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Jody L. Sindelar

Yale University - School of Public Health ( email )

PO Box 208034
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203-785-5287 (Phone)
203-785-6287 (Fax)

William Gallo

Yale University ( email )

PO Box 208034
60 College Street
New Haven, CT 06520-8034
United States
(203) 785-2854 (Phone)
(203) 785-6287 (Fax)

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