# Classification of occupation

**URL:** <https://forum.ipums.org/t/classification-of-occupation/5784>\
**Category:** INTERNATIONAL\
**Created:** [April 4, 2024, 12:40pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/classification-of-occupation/5784 "2024-04-04T12:40:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Stefan\_Oberg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/779978/32.png) [@Stefan\_Oberg](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Stefan_Oberg)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2024, 12:40pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/classification-of-occupation/5784/1 "2024-04-04T12:40:14Z")

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Is OCSTATUS incorporated in OCCHISCO or should I create an hierarchy using both?

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**Author:** ![Ivan\_Strahof](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.ipums.org/ivan_strahof/32/626_2.png) [@Ivan\_Strahof](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Ivan_Strahof)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2024, 1:27am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/classification-of-occupation/5784/2 "2024-04-09T01:27:47Z")

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[OCSTATUS](https://international.ipums.org/international-action/variables/OCSTATUS#description_section) provides additional detail that is not available in [OCCHISCO](https://international.ipums.org/international-action/variables/OCCHISCO#description_section); these variables should be used in conjunction for proper interpretation of the occupation codes. The variable description tab for OCCHISCO notes that vague responses to the occupation question of the form “Works in [specified type of] factory,” such as “Works in cotton mill,” were grouped together with "laborers’’ and skilled workers in the same general industry. To differentiate between skilled workers, people who “worked in” a particular industry (skill level indeterminate), and laborers, you must use OCSTATUS. You can also access the original occupation response in [OCCSTRNG](https://international.ipums.org/international-action/variables/OCCSTRNG#description_section)