The Changing (Dis-)utility of Work

Greg Kaplan and Sam Schulhofer-Wohl

Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2018, vol. 32, issue 3, 239-58

Abstract: We study how changes in the distribution of occupations have affected the aggregate non-pecuniary costs and benefits of working. The physical toll of work is less now than in 1950, with workers shifting away from occupations in which people report experiencing tiredness and pain. The emotional consequences of the changing occupation distribution vary substantially across demographic groups. Work has become happier and more meaningful for women, but more stressful and less meaningful for men. These changes appear to be concentrated at lower education levels.

JEL-codes: I26 J16 J22 J24 J28 J81 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.32.3.239
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (33)

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Working Paper: The Changing (Dis-)Utility of Work (2018)
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