When Does Childhood SES Affect Work Outcomes and Well-being? Job Insecurity Matters.

What is it about?

Previous studies have demonstrated the long-term impact of childhood poverty on educational achievement and income. However, the lasting effects of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) on work outcomes and well-being in adulthood remain relatively underexplored. We drew on a life history perspective, which suggests that the enduring adverse effects of childhood adversity are particularly pronounced in adulthood when current environments are uncertain. Therefore, we focused on the moderating role of job insecurity, as it represents uncertainty about job continuity. We investigated whether the combination of low childhood SES and high job insecurity leads to negative work and well-being outcomes among Korean workers. The results indicated that, even after accounting for the effects of current SES, lower childhood SES was associated with reduced access to decent work (i.e., work that meets the minimum standards of human rights), especially when job insecurity was high. This, in turn, led to decreased job satisfaction and life satisfaction. Our findings suggest that low childhood SES may be linked to negative work and well-being outcomes, regardless of current SES, when job insecurity in the current work environment is prevalent.

Featured Image

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study holds significant implications as job insecurity continues to rise globally. Our findings highlight the need for interventions aimed at reducing job insecurity, especially for those with low childhood SES. Efforts at various levels—including counseling, organizational practices, and public policies—are essential to address job insecurity and mitigate its negative effects on work and well-being for individuals with low childhood SES.