Occupaties

Occupaties is the plural form of occupatie in Dutch, meaning occupations or jobs. In English, the corresponding term is occupations. The concept refers to the various roles people perform within an economy and society, typically defined by the tasks they carry out, the skills and training required, and the level of education associated with the work. Occupations influence income, social status, career paths, and access to training opportunities.

Organizations classify occupations to study labor markets and plan education and policy. Well-known schemes include the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) maintained by the International Labour Organization, the United States' Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), and national classifications that adapt those frameworks. These systems group occupations by task families, skill level, and educational requirements, enabling comparability across time and space.

Occupations are dynamic, reflecting technological change, economic development, and demographic trends. New occupations arise in fields such as information technology, health care, and green energy, while others decline or transform. Labour-market statistics, wage analyses, and career guidance rely on occupation data to describe demand, supply, and mobility.

Historically, occupational structure has shifted from agrarian and craft-based work to industrial and service roles, affecting social organization and class structures. Understanding occupations helps explain workforce composition, education needs, and policy impacts on employment.