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Precarity as a Biographical Problem? Young Workers Living with Precarity in Germany and Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Mrozowicki

    (University of Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Vera Trappmann

    (University of Leeds, UK)

Abstract

In the context of debates on the meanings of precarious employment, this article explores the varied ways young workers in Poland and Germany are managing precarity. Biographical narrative interviews with 123 young people revealed four different ways interviewees experienced precarity. These different approaches reflected varied ways in which interviewees were orientated to work, the meanings attributed by them to precarious employment and the material and cultural resources they possessed. It is argued that despite institutional differences, precarity in both countries is experienced similarly and represents a tendency to endure precarity and cope with it by individual means. Simultaneously, criticisms of precarity were more typical of young Poles than Germans. Cross-country variances were explained by the different mechanisms of institutional support for young workers and the greater belief in meritocracy in Germany.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Mrozowicki & Vera Trappmann, 2021. "Precarity as a Biographical Problem? Young Workers Living with Precarity in Germany and Poland," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 35(2), pages 221-238, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:35:y:2021:i:2:p:221-238
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017020936898
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    5. Robert Castel, 2000. "The Roads to Disaffiliation: Insecure Work and Vulnerable Relationships," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(3), pages 519-535, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zuzanna Kowalik & Piotr Lewandowski & Paweł Kaczmarczyk, 2022. "Job quality gaps between migrant and native gig workers: evidence from Poland," IBS Working Papers 09/2022, Instytut Badan Strukturalnych.
    2. Annie Irvine & Nikolas Rose, 2024. "How Does Precarious Employment Affect Mental Health? A Scoping Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence from Western Economies," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(2), pages 418-441, April.
    3. Caroline Bertron & Anne-Elise Vélu & Hélène Buisson-Fenet & Xavier Dumay, 2024. "The Dualisation of Teacher Labour Markets, Employment Trajectories and the State in France," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(2), pages 318-338, April.

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