Sociological Aspects of Cleft Palate Adults: III Vocational and Economic Aspects

Abstract

This paper, the third in a series on adult social functioning ('7, 8) assesses the vocational and economic. attainment and aspirations of adult cleft sub— jects. These factors are important in determining the ability of the individ— ual to secure rewards from his social system and as criteria by which adults in our society are evaluated. Our goal in assessing these vocational and economic aspects was to determine the degree of independence achieved from any limitations which might be associated with having a cleft. Results of the study assess social class position, generational trend, employment stability, job security, job suitability and satisfaction, occupational aspira— tion, and income aspiration. A self administered questionnaire was used in data collection.2 The vocational and economic status of 196 cleft subjects, 190 of their siblings and 209 nationally drawn random controls,3 between ages of 24 and 54, were com— pared for levels of achievement.