Occupational Prestige

The Pandemic and YOU

Has your level of respect for frontline workers increased since the start of the pandemic? Do you think there have been any other shifts in occupational prestige since the global efforts to address COVID-19? Why do you think some occupations receive more prestige than others, even though people in other occupations play a major role in creating a safe and healthy society?

Around the world, frontline medical workers are being celebrated for their role in the fight against COVID-19. From New York City to Rome, Italy, members of the public have literally cheered doctors, nurses, and first responders as they begin and end their shifts (Snouwaert 2020). Healthcare workers already enjoyed a significant amount of occupational prestige, but the pandemic has brought an increased consensus of the value of their profession.