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The Effects of ROTC Program Participation on Socioeconomic Status and Life Satisfaction *
Author(s) -
Miller Robert K.,
Benton Toni M.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
sociological inquiry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.446
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1475-682X
pISSN - 0038-0245
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-682x.1992.tb00286.x
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , sociology , life satisfaction , socioeconomics , psychology , social psychology , demography , population
Using mail survey data based on a stratified systematic sample [N = 686] of 1983–1988 graduates of a medium‐sized state university, this research evaluates whether ROTC program participation constitutes an independent source of human capital in civilian labor markets by comparing postgraduate earnings (annual income), prestige and authority, and life satisfaction of ROTC program participants with those of nonparticipants. The results revealed no statistically significant ROTC program participation effects, independent of subsequent military status. ROTC program participation paid off in terms of occupational prestige and authority for those on active duty, but not for those in national guard or reserve units. Neither ROTC participation nor current military status affected income or life satisfaction levels.