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The multidivisional form is the favored form of organization for the large firms that dominate the American economy. This study takes up the causes of the dissemination of that form among large firms from 1919 to 1979. Five theories are initially proposed as possible explanations for the changes observed and these theories are operetionalized and tested. The model that seems most consistent with the data emphasizes the ability of key actors to alter structure under three circumstances: when the firm has a product-related or -unrelated strategy (which is consistent with Chandler's [1962] theorizing); when the corporate presidents have a background in sales or finance; and when other firms in the industry alter their structures. The implications of these results for theories of organizational change are discussed with special reference to the importance of conceiving how actors operate with varying rationalities in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration of blacks and whites from the South since 1930 has been traditionally characterized as resulting from the mechanization of agriculture. It is argued in this article that the real cause of the migration must be situated in the crisis in cotton farming during the Depression of the 1930s. Large farm owners secured aid from the federal government in the form of agricultural subsidy payments. In response to this program, they reduced their cotton acreage, bought tractors, and displaced their tenants. This transformation drastically reduced the need for tenant labor and brought about the large-scale migrations. Regression analyses of relevant data confirm this interpretation. The major conclusion is that migrations will be shaped by social, economic, and political relations that require unique historical understanding. Further, migrations will tend to reflect conditions at the point of origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT To carry out policy aimed at achieving sexual equality in labor market positions, we need a clear understanding of what constitutes comparable positions in the work setting. In this paper we expand on what is normally examined when determining whether persons or groups have similar positions in the workplace. We argue that power in the work setting is an essential aspect of stratification and is helpful in the study of sexual inequality in labor market positions. Our empirical analysis offers confirmation for these arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this article is to construct a theoretical framework for the study of income determination that incorporates elements of three major approaches we characterize as status attainment, human capital, and structural approaches. These three approaches are briefly reviewed and criticized. The framework is introduced through the theoretical concepts of the social relations of production and exchange, the socio-technical relations of production, and individual characteristics. Hypotheses are introduced and data and measures are generated to test them. In general, the model and its measures perform promisingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a response to an earlier article of the October 01, 1981 issue of the periodical "American Sociological Review." Bridges and Miller argue that the sample is restricted, making generalization a bit difficult. Furthermore, they argue that their replication with the QES (and equally good if not better measures) gives a more accurate representation of the process of acquiring power in the workplace. Bridges and Miller state that the major differences are that they find experience and tenure effects are larger for men than for women.