JOEM: Working Conditions and Racial and Ethnic Disparities (July 2023)-JOEM: Working Conditions and Racial and Ethnic Disparities (July 2023)

JOEM: Working Conditions and Racial and Ethnic Disparities (July 2023)

Pdf Summary

This study examines the relationship between working conditions, race/ethnicity, and self-rated health using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The study finds that Black, Latino, and White workers are exposed to distinct sets of working conditions. Black workers are more likely to experience high physical demands, while Latino workers are more likely to experience low substantive complexity. White workers are more likely to experience time pressure. Time pressure at work is associated with worse self-rated health. However, there is no evidence that working conditions mediate the racial and ethnic differences in self-rated health.<br /><br />The study also finds that educational attainment is a mediator between race/ethnicity and working conditions. Higher educational attainment is associated with healthier working conditions and better self-rated health, except for those with a bachelor's degree who are more likely to experience time pressure.<br /><br />The study contributes to understanding the relationship between working conditions and health disparities by race/ethnicity. It highlights the need to address racial and ethnic differences in working conditions to reduce health inequities. Future research should explore other health outcomes and incorporate additional factors such as gender and occupation. The findings suggest that improving working conditions, such as reducing time pressure and increasing substantive complexity, could have positive effects on overall health.

Keywords

working conditions

race/ethnicity

self-rated health

Panel Study of Income Dynamics

Black workers

Latino workers

White workers

physical demands

substantive complexity

time pressure