fagstéttir

Fagstéttir, literally meaning occupational classes, is a term used in Icelandic sociology and statistics to describe a system of social stratification based on the occupation or trade of individuals. The concept groups people into orderings that reflect variations in skill, education, and economic position. In Icelandic research and official statistics, fagstéttir are used to analyze patterns in income, employment, education, and social mobility, and to compare groups over time or across regions. While there is no single universal scheme, the categories typically align with international classifications such as ISCO, and commonly include broad categories such as professionals and managers, technicians and associate professionals, clerical and administrative workers, service and sales workers, skilled agricultural, craft and related trades, machine operators and elementary occupations. In practice, the exact labels and groupings may vary by data source and year.

Occupational classifications can be used to study differences in earnings, education levels, and employment security, and to track changes in the labor market. However, they can also oversimplify social status, as factors such as education quality, income, and job quality intersect with occupation. People with multiple jobs, self-employment, or gig work may not fit neatly into a single category. Critics argue that rigid fagstéttir can obscure social mobility and structural shifts in the economy, while supporters view them as a useful, standardized framework for comparing groups. Overall, fagstéttir remain a common tool in Icelandic data analysis and cross-national research on inequality and labor markets.