To determine if she can support you in the manner you're accustomed to.

I think both sexes do this somewhere along the way. I find it interesting if the initial question leads to finding out how a person got into their job, what it took etc. The stories behind the choice often show more about the person that the actual way they make a living now. I have met people who have flipped their initial jobs into something else; People who have been in a career all their lives because they love it; People who are working hard and getting no where. I do get asked that question a lot...I think mainly because I don't fit the stereotype of what people think an accountant is...usually when I tell a person, I end up picking up the tab and calculating the tip (JUST KIDDING!)...it really doesn't matter to me as long as there are other things that make us compatible. Love reading everybody's views on this as well...

I don't tend to ask a guy that early on as I feel it's kind of like asking "How much money do you make?" I also feel awkward when people ask me the same question as my work is about the opposite of glamorous.

Because it could lead to any of the following:

1. A similar profession thus useful networking.
2. An opportunity for her thus not hesitating in asking me mine because I'm passionate about it.
3. Good indicator of a person's education (Yes I prefer educated people in a sense)

As far as stereotypes are concerned, never found them very helpful except anyone who's been in sales would have a high threshold for tolerating people.

I would like to know because I've always wanted to meet a woman that does animal husbandry so I can pretend I don't know what that is so she can tell me she gives hand jobs to horses. Gawd that would be hilarious.

If you just meet someone, the topics available for conversation are limited. This question opens up some avenues for conversation. That's about it. If you find you are both involved in similar or related fields, this can make the first meeting more interesting.

I’m sure glad I am not in the market as I would probably be someone to ask that question. It does tell a person a lot about the other person as they spend a large proportion of their time doing whatever their occupation is. I guess you could ask about hobbies or tastes in food or whatever but if something like this is a no-no I would be afraid to ask anything.

It's a good conversation starter. Also, I like to see what we have in common. If someone was offended by my asking, I think I would have my answer on if we were compatible.

It's just a conversation starter. It's an attempt find some common ground.

It's generally just small talk. I'm not looking for what you do so much as what do you spend your time thinking about. I wanna use that to open up the conversation.

I think that question is more attributed to our cultural norms, than anything else. Just like asking about the weather or how someone's day went. We ask out of habit, not for the answer, but for the human interaction.

I prefer to ask women if they're happy, what motivates them to get out of bed, and if they know they're beautiful.

Because I have social anxiety and can't think of anything else to say?

The occupation itself may not define the person, but it may indicate the amount of ambition, may show their interests (if they are passionate about the work), and if they'll have time for a guy. If she works a ton or has irregular hours beyond reason, then tjatay not work out so well.

It's called small talk. Would you rather me asj you about the weather?

To address your direct lead-off question: My reason for asking a woman what she does for a living would come from a genuine curiosity about it. Would I ask that question right out of the gate? Probably not. But it would come up. I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask someone what their occupation is. A person's occupation can speak volumes to their passion (if they are so fortunate as to be doing work they are passionate about). So this is a great way to learn about them and what moves and motivates them. I understand your distaste of having that question asked if it is being used as some sort of status barometer in order to pass judgment. That's just plain wrong, IMHO.

Most people have some passion for how they make money. It's an easy conversation starter with total strangers even when dating isn't an option.

Some people like judging and classifying others. If I think that's what's going on, I claim to be an entrepreneur and enjoy the eye rolls.

I've had dates who were likely burnt by free loaders quickly ask about my job on the first date, I get that and my response varies depending on how the questions are asked and how I think the date is going.

For people who really pay attention there are other things to talk about. People's clothes, their reactions...can tell a lot about them. I often have random books, so that's an easy conversation starter that doesn't involve qualifying my character based on income.

Well....if you chose a career in a field, and work in a job where you literally spend 1/3 of your day, 1/3 sleeping, and the other 1/3 where at least part of your free time is showering, dressing, driving to your job, I am just curious about something that is obviously a big part of your daily life, and how invested/committed/happy you are with that choice. It's not some nefarious means to stereotype or judge you - it's just an attempt to find out what makes up your life. Plus, if you tell me you are a sky-diving instructor, that is some cool ass shit that I would like to know more about. Guys say it's just something to talk about, while women seem to put all this meaning and ulterior motive behind the question. Pretty good indicator who is really the more judgmental sex IMO.

Work is a major part of the lives of most people. Asking about occupation creates more conversation, it lets the woman talk about herself for a bit, and you find out whether they are doing something they love or are just in it for the paycheck... sure there's lots of things to talk about other than work, but guys can be nervous when they approach a woman, so it's just an easy question to ask. Why are you so sensitive about talking about your job?

Just want to find out how you spend your time. Nothing more sinister or complex. But then I'm kinda gormless when it comes to the ladies.

Conversation starter

I think I ask it just to continue the conversation, it usually leads to some more questions and insight about that person and maybe a way to find common ground.

It's always a double edged sword. I've seen woman have a complete attitude change when they lean what kind of job I have. If a woman is a "gold digger", that can mean they are nobody to trust for mariage, but a one-night stand opportunity.

I ask EVERYONE what they do for a living. It's just a means of starting conversation.

I don't normally ask about work until it comes up in regular conversation. I guess I just don't care that much? I don't feel as if my work defines who I am.
I'd much rather get her talking about something she is passionate about. That makes for a more interesting and informative conversation in my opinion. If that happens to be her job, she'll bring it up long before I will.

Personally it is because I am not great at small talk. I can't think of many other questions I can ask which have an answer worthy of discussion (ie suitable small talk topics) that are less personal.

What question would you ask someone you knew nothing about? Alternative topic suggestions might be quite useful.