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Does the household context matter for job satisfaction among low-wage workers?

Author

Listed:
  • Matthias Pohlig

    (Universität Bremen, Germany; Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany)

  • Sabine Israel

    (GESIS Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften Köln, Germany)

  • Irene Dingeldey

    (Universität Bremen, Germany)

Abstract

Previous research has established that low-wage earners have on average lower job satisfaction. However, several studies have found personal characteristics, such as gender, age and educational level, moderate this negative impact. This article demonstrates additional factors at the household level, which have not yet been empirically investigated, and which may exacerbate gender differences. The authors analyse the job satisfaction of low-wage earners depending on the contribution of individual earnings to the household income and on household deprivation using the 2013 special wave of the EU-SILC for 18 European countries. The study finds that single earners in low-wage employment report lower job satisfaction whereas low-wage employment does not seem to make a difference for secondary earners. Furthermore, low-wage earners’ job satisfaction is linked with the ability of their household to make ends meet.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Pohlig & Sabine Israel & Irene Dingeldey, 2022. "Does the household context matter for job satisfaction among low-wage workers?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(3), pages 1028-1058, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:43:y:2022:i:3:p:1028-1058
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X20975865
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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