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Work Values in the United States: Age, Period, and Generational Differences

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  • Arne L. Kalleberg
  • Peter V. Marsden

Abstract

This article examines how processes of aging, generational shifts, and changes over historical time periods shape differences in work values in the United States. Our analyses of data from the General Social Survey and the International Social Survey Program show that changes over historical time periods are most consistently responsible for differences in work values. In particular, during recent periods, Americans tend to place greater importance on jobs that provide security, high income, and opportunities for advancement; this is consistent with a narrative that these job rewards have become more difficult to attain recently and are thus more problematic for workers. Some differences in work values are also attributable to aging or life course processes, especially the greater importance placed on high income during the mid-life years when family responsibilities are generally greatest. By contrast, we find few differences in work values among members of different generations or cohorts. We also find that people from less advantaged social origins and those with greater labor market resources are more likely to value economic rewards.

Suggested Citation

  • Arne L. Kalleberg & Peter V. Marsden, 2019. "Work Values in the United States: Age, Period, and Generational Differences," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 682(1), pages 43-59, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:682:y:2019:i:1:p:43-59
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716218822291
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Arne L. Kalleberg, 2018. "Job Insecurity and Well-being in Rich Democracies," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 49(3), pages 241-258.
    2. Sophia Rabe-Hesketh & Anders Skrondal, 2012. "Multilevel and Longitudinal Modeling Using Stata, 3rd Edition," Stata Press books, StataCorp LP, edition 3, number mimus2, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zonneveld, Nick & Raab, Jörg & Kenis, Patrick & Minkman, Mirella M. N., 2024. "The role of values in the interorganizational network response to wicked problems," Other publications TiSEM a879dd96-d795-45fe-9c39-2, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    2. Wayu Eko Yudiatmaja & Roy Valiant Salomo & Eko Prasojo, 2023. "Fostering Innovative Behavior of Millennial Public Employee Through Leadership Styles and Organizational Trust," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(2), pages 21582440231, June.
    3. Cheryl Carleton & Mary T. Kelly, 2022. "Happy at Work - Possible at Any Age?," Villanova School of Business Department of Economics and Statistics Working Paper Series 51, Villanova School of Business Department of Economics and Statistics.
    4. Bettina Schuck & Jennifer Shore, 2019. "How Intergenerational Mobility Shapes Attitudes toward Work and Welfare," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 682(1), pages 139-154, March.
    5. Emily Rainsford & William A. Maloney & Sebastian Adrian Popa, 2019. "The Effect of Unemployment and Low-Quality Work Conditions on Work Values: Exploring the Experiences of Young Europeans," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 682(1), pages 172-185, March.

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