I don’t know if it is as widespread as I have experience. But a lot of people are presenting/defining themselves using their occupation or trade as a core element.
Might be because I’m euro that I’m losing something here in terms of context. But what’s with Americans being laser focused on my professional occupation. Who gives a fuck what I do or how I pay for the stuff in my fridge?
Guys have been less prone to the “What is it that you do” question than women but shit … it’s depresso espresso to see that your social interaction need to have this element included.