Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/223951 
Year of Publication: 
2020
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 13509
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Measuring occupational mobility from the Current Population Survey using recall (retrospective) or linked panel responses (longitudinal) generates substantially different outcomes, both in levels and trends. Using a generalized method of moments technique, we estimate the actual level of occupational mobility and the measurement error in both of these measures for 1981-2018. Measurement error in longitudinal measures is large and has been worsening over time. However, actual occupational mobility is approximately 70% higher than retrospectively measures. Our estimated corrections imply workers in tradable occupations are less likely to switch occupations than previously believed, implying potentially lower welfare gains from trade.
Subjects: 
occupational switching
worker mobility
current population survey
measurement error
trade adjustment
JEL: 
J62
C83
F16
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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