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Status Inequality and Occupational Regrets in Late Life

University of Toronto

Leonard I. Pearlin

Kim B. Nguyen

University of Maryland

In a sample of adults aged 65 years and older, the authors examine structural and experiential sources of work-related perceived discrimination and regrets about occupational attainment. These appraisals are anchored in the circumstances of people’s lives, especially those linked to race and gender. Findings indicate that Black men report the highest levels of work-related discrimination, net of achieved statuses. Black women and men report higher levels of work-related regret than Whites. Compared with Whites, Black men’s disadvantages in achieved statuses like education, occupation, economic resources, and perceived work-related discrimination contribute to their higher levels of regret. Conversely, Black women would report more work-related regret were it not for the fact that their perceived work-related discrimination is relatively similar to that of White women and men. The authors’findings underscore the social-structural and life-course foundations of a critical—but understudied—outcome of self-evaluation processes in late life: the sense of regret.

Key Words: status inequality • occupations • race • gender • regrets • discrimination

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