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Job precarity and economic prospects during the COVID‐19 public health crisis

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  • Wen‐Jui Han
  • Jake Hart

Abstract

Objective As labor markets in recent decades have become increasingly volatile and precarious, more workers are susceptible to working conditions threatening their economic security. COVID‐19 has further laid bare such economic insecurity from holding a precarious job. We examined the association between precarious employment and the probability of losing income or a job during COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods A multivariate regression analysis was conducted using a cross‐sectional data set collected in May 2020 in the United States. Results Our results confirm a strong positive association between precarious employment and losing work or income. Specifically, holding part‐time work in the service sector, and feeling disempowered in the workplace, receiving low material rewards, having few benefits, and experiencing obstacles in exercising rights all significantly doubled the probability of losing income or jobs. Conclusion Our analysis underscores the increasing vulnerability faced by our workforce and how a public health crisis magnifies the dire consequences of a precarious job.

Suggested Citation

  • Wen‐Jui Han & Jake Hart, 2021. "Job precarity and economic prospects during the COVID‐19 public health crisis," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(5), pages 2394-2411, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:102:y:2021:i:5:p:2394-2411
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huang, J. & Birkenmaier, J. & Kim, Y., 2014. "Job loss and unmet health care needs in the economic recession: Different associations by family income," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(11), pages 178-183.
    2. Henry S. Farber, 2010. "Job Loss and the Decline in Job Security in the United States," NBER Chapters, in: Labor in the New Economy, pages 223-262, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Henry S. Farber, 2017. "Employment, Hours, and Earnings Consequences of Job Loss: US Evidence from the Displaced Workers Survey," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 35(S1), pages 235-272.
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    1. Giorgos Gouzoulis & Panagiotis (Takis) Iliopoulos & Giorgos Galanis, 2023. "Financialisation, Underemployment, & the Disconnected Greek Capitalism," Working Papers 112, Queen Mary, University of London, School of Business and Management, Centre for Globalisation Research.
    2. Alexander Opoku & Jacob Nunoo & Raymond Elikplim Kofinti, 2024. "Working but hungry: precarious employment and household food insecurity in Ghana," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 71(4), pages 875-916, December.
    3. Muchen Luo & Yimin Wu, 2022. "Data-Driven Evaluation and Optimisation of Livelihood Improvement Efficiency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-24, July.
    4. Giorgos Gouzoulis & Panagiotis (Takis) Iliopoulos & Giorgos Galanis, 2023. "Financialization and the rise of atypical work," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(1), pages 24-45, March.

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