The Matching of Educational and Occupational Structures

This study is described here as a replication of the study of the occupational structure of education in Ireland and the Netherlands (Borghans, Hughes & Smits 1997). It is suggested that there are "four types of factors accounting for the differences in the occupational profiles of basically similar educational programs":

1. Supply and demand in the labor market

2. Possibilities for substitution of qualifications and skills

3. Professional and governmental interests and regulations

4. Individual preferences and interpretations of the match