What is Precarious Work?

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Precarious work is insecure, unpredictable employment causing economic vulnerability, poor mental health, and social marginalisation.

Question

What is precarious work, and what are the effects of it?

Answer

Precarious work refers to employment that is uncertain, unpredictable, and insecure, often lacking the protections and benefits associated with stable jobs. This type of work has become increasingly prevalent due to various social, economic, and political factors.

Key Characteristics of Precarious Work

Uncertainty and Insecurity: Precarious work is marked by job insecurity, where workers face uncertainty about the continuity of their employment and often lack basic job protections [1] [2] [3].
Economic and Social Marginalization: It disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including women, youth, racial and ethnic minorities, and migrants, who often face additional challenges such as discrimination and unsafe working conditions [4] [2] [5].
Shift of Risks: Employers often shift risks onto workers, who may not have access to benefits like health insurance, paid leave, or job security [2] [6].

Global and Regional Perspectives

Global Phenomenon: Precarious work is a universal issue, though its forms and impacts vary across different countries due to cultural, institutional, and historical differences [4] [7].
Regional Variations: In Asia, for example, the rise of precarious work is linked to neoliberal economic policies, global competition, and technological advancements, leading to increased labor market flexibility [2] [6].

Impacts on Workers

Mental and Physical Health: The uncertainty and stress associated with precarious work can lead to poorer mental health and job dissatisfaction [1] [8].
Economic Vulnerability: Workers in precarious jobs often experience low pay, high work intensity, and poor working conditions, contributing to economic instability [3] [9].

Conclusion

Precarious work is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects workers globally, with significant implications for their economic security and well-being. It is characterized by job insecurity, economic marginalization, and a shift of risks from employers to employees, impacting various demographic groups differently. Understanding and addressing the challenges of precarious work requires a comprehensive approach that considers both global and local contexts.

References

Jankowski, K. Positioning precarity: The contingent nature of precarious work in structure and practice. The British Journal of Sociology. 2024; 75. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-4446.13125

Allan, B., Autin, K., & Wilkins-Yel, K. Precarious work in the 21st century: A psychological perspective. Journal of Vocational Behaviour. 2021; 126. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JVB.2020.103491

Kalleberg, A., & Hewison, K. Precarious Work and the Challenge for Asia. American Behavioural Scientist. 2013; 57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764212466238

Zhou, Y. The State of Precarious Work in China. American Behavioural Scientist. 2013; 57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764212466242

Shin, K., Kalleberg, A., & Hewison, K. Precarious work: A global perspective. Sociology Compass. 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.13136

Lewis, H., Dwyer, P., Hodkinson, S., & Waite, L. Hyper-precarious lives. Progress in Human Geography. 2015; 39. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132514548303

Hewison, K., & Kalleberg, A. Precarious Work and Flexibilization in South and Southeast Asia. American Behavioural Scientist. 2013; 57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764212466235

Arnold, D., & Bongiovi, J. Precarious, Informalizing, and Flexible Work. American Behavioural Scientist. 2013; 57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764212466239

Kalleberg, A. Precarious Work, Insecure Workers: Employment Relations in Transition. American Sociological Review. 2009; 74. https://doi.org/10.1177/000312240907400101

Addison, John T. and Christopher J. Surfield. 2009. “Atypical Work and Employment Continuity.” Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society 48(4):655–83.

Bird, Robert C. 2016. “Precarious Work: The Need for Flextime Employment Rights and Proposals for Reform.” Berkeley Journal of Employment & Labor Law 37(1):1–41.

Frech, A. and S. Damaske. 2012. “The Relationships between Mothers’ Work Pathways and Physical and Mental Health.” Journal of Health and Social Behaviour 53(4):396–412.

Kalil, Ariel and Rebecca M. Ryan. 2010. “Mothers’ Economic Conditions and Sources of Support in Fragile Families.” The Future of Children 20(2):39–61.

Kalleberg, A. L. 2012. “Job Quality and Precarious Work: Clarifications, Controversies, and Challenges.” Work and Occupations 39(4):427–48.

Scott, Ellen K. and Ann Shirley Leymon. 2013. “Making
Ends Meet During the Great Recession: How Child Care Subsidies Matter to Low-Wage Workers.” Journal of Poverty 17(1):63–85.

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