Occupational Structure Transformation in Mathura District (1991–2011)

Abstract

Occupational structure plays a vital role in determining the socio-economic characteristics of a region by reflecting the composition of the workforce, dependency burden, employment pattern, and level of economic development. It provides valuable insight into the distribution of economically active and inactive populations and serves as an important indicator of regional transformation. The present study examines the changing pattern of occupational structure in Mathura district during the period 1991–2011 using block-wise data obtained from the Census of India. The analysis is based on four major occupational categories, namely cultivators, agricultural labourers, household industry workers, and other workers. The study reveals significant changes in the occupational composition of the district over the two decades. A declining trend has been observed in the proportion of cultivators, while the share of agricultural labourers has increased, indicating a growing dependence on wage-based agricultural employment. Simultaneously, the proportion of workers engaged in household industries and other non-agricultural activities has also shown an increasing trend, reflecting gradual occupational diversification and structural transformation in the district. The study further highlights regional disparities in occupational patterns across different development blocks and emphasizes the role of socio-economic changes in shaping workforce dynamics in Mathura district.