The sociology of aging draws on a broad array of theoretical perspectives and social theories from several disciplines, but rarely has it developed its own theories or theoretical perspectives. We build on past work to further advance and empirically test a model of mental health framed in terms of structural theorizing and situated within the…

Many youth in the United States lack clear occupational aspirations. This uncertainty in achievement ambitions may benefit socio-economic attainment if it signifies "role exploration," characterized by career development, continued education and enduring partnerships. By contrast, uncertainty may diminish attainment if it instead leads…

This study examines the gender differences in job mobility in urban China. Conceptualizing China's postsocialist transition as a multi-faceted process, we argue that the emergence of labor markets, gendered role differentiation within the family, and the state's declining involvement in promoting women's rights lead to widened gender gaps in job…

Examines longitudinal data on college enrollment, marriage, and parenthood among 9,608 White high school graduates. Concludes that marriage and parenthood exert negative effects on the higher education of both men and women, with marriage being particularly detrimental to women's education. Contains 26 references. (SV)

In national longitudinal surveys of mature women, the wage advantage of single and childless women was stronger in large firms and in male-dominated occupations, suggesting the significance of discrimination among women by family history. Contains 28 references. (SV)