Summary: The Dual Market Theory

Davis and Moore put forth a theory in an attempt to explain social stratification, based on the job market, and the dual market theory. The dual labor market “Which concludes that two markets exist which operate by different rules. In one market, the tasks seem to be menial, not intellectually demanding, and are associated with poor working conditions and low wages. The Occupations are isolated and have no internal structures or career system. In other words, they appear to be qualitatively distinct from other kinds of jobs in the market.” (Pg. 258). I will touch more on the dual market theory and its importance to creating stratification later in the paper. I would also like to touch on how the filling of these jobs within these markets can

The secondary labor market, which is usually part time or temporary work, low paying and has high turnover rates. These jobs usually consist of service sector jobs. Also jobs that have a high likely hood to being replaced by technology, as they can be highly repetitive jobs. The primary labor market, which is filled with primarily full time, high paying jobs with low turnover rates. For some those who work in the secondary market the jobs can be starting points, from which they may make the transition. However, for many the the secondary labor market can become a trap, tying them to their jobs and not allowing for social mobility. Since many of the secondary market jobs are part time, those employed by them may be forced to hold multiple jobs in order to bring in enough money to support themselves. The very act of working two or more jobs makes things like going to school to advance one’s career, or even looking for a better job

For those in the secondary market the lifestyle that brings with it may force children to follow the same path. A child may be required to take up a job while in school to help support the family that isn’t meeting its financial demands. While a child is both working and going to school. It can be argued that the school progression is going to suffer, possibly forcing the child into the secondary labor market when they reach adulthood, because it is what they know. However, it is not guaranteed as many young people who start in the secondary labor market are able to transition out. With those in the primary labor market, they don’t require the extra financial help from their children, allowing them to focus solely on school endeavors. In conjunction there is usually some disposable income that is able to be used to help enhance the child’s education. These advantages can lead to finding better careers down the road for the