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The economics of meaningful work: A scoping review

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  • Hendriks, Martijn
  • Cnossen, Femke

Abstract

Meaningful work plays a central role in many people's lives, and the topic attracts interest across a range of social science disciplines. What is the economists' view on meaningful work? This chapter presents a scoping review on the economics of meaningful work. We identified 43 relevant English-language articles in top-quartile economics journals through a systematic search in EconLit and citation tracking. We synthesize how these studies conceptualize, perceive, and operationalize meaningful work, along with their insights into individuals' preferences for meaningful work, how meaningful people consider their work to be, the antecedents and outcomes of meaningful work, and the broader conclusions, implications, and recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Hendriks, Martijn & Cnossen, Femke, 2025. "The economics of meaningful work: A scoping review," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1657, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1657
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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