Women of Color and decent work: An examination of psychology of working theory

Abstract

Women of Color (WOC) in the United States experience a unique form of intersecting oppression in the realm of work. Various previous studies have shown that WOC experience work objectively (e.g., wage disparity) and subjectively (e.g., compromised job satisfaction) differently than White women or Men of Color, indicating that WOC is less likely to attain decent work than their counterparts. In the present study, using psychology of working theory as the theoretical framework, we examined the predictors and outcomes of decent work (an aspirational goal for all working individuals) among a sample of working adults who self‐identified as WOC (N = 270). Results indicated that WOC's lifetime experiences of economic constraints and marginalization, directly and indirectly, affected decent work attainment via work volition (a sense of choice in one's career). Moreover, the attainment of decent work was positively related to work fulfillment and well‐being. The implications and future directions are discussed.

Predicting Decent Work Among US Black Workers: Examining Psychology of Working Theory

“…Previous PWT investigations with cross-sectional samples comprising Black-identified individuals demonstrated a direct relationship between marginalization and decent work. More specifically, Duffy and colleagues used GED (Duffy et al, 2018) and Kim and colleagues (2022) used the 3-item Lifetime Experiences of Marginalization Scale (LEMS). Perhaps, a less sophisticated measure like LEMS is better able to capture REM’s experiences of marginalization.…”

“…The volition subscale is comprised of four items and taps into one’s general sense of volition (as opposed to the other two subscales which tap into financial and structural barriers). The use of this subscale is common practice in PWT investigations with REM (e.g., see Kim et al, 2022). Example items include “I will be able to choose jobs that I want” and “I will learn how to find my own way in the world of work.” Items were measured on a 7-point scale ranging from 1 ( Strongly Disagree ) to 7 ( Strongly Agree ).…”

Decent Work and Self Determination Needs: Exploring Relational Workplace Civility as a Moderator

“…The importance of the PWT as a theory for understanding a variety of workers' lives has been substantiated through research on several specific populations over the past few decades. For instance, research has shown that PWT is applicable for groups such as Korean emerging adults (Kim et al, 2019), sexual minorities (Douglass et al, 2017), and women of color (Kim et al, 2022). In each of these studies, PWT has served as an appropriate framework for enhancing scholarly understanding of individuals' workplace experiences, particularly in the attainment of decent work.…”

“…In each of these studies, PWT has served as an appropriate framework for enhancing scholarly understanding of individuals' workplace experiences, particularly in the attainment of decent work. Many studies in the PWT literature have underscored the inverse relationship between lifetime marginalization/economic constraints and decent work, highlighting how groups who experience more direct or indirect marginalization in their lifetimes have less access to decent work due to lower levels of work volition, or perceived control over their work decisions (Kim et al, 2022). Overall, the PWT literature has continued to emphasize the important role of decent work in promoting key workplace needs, one of which is self-determination.…”

Application of Cognitive System Model and Gestalt Psychology in Residential Healthy Environment Design

“…It is based on the above research conclusions, in order to improve the environmental comfort of the residential area, this paper introduces the psychological theory into the environmental design of the residential area. Typical psychological theories mainly include cognitive system model and Gestalt psychology [ 11 – 13 ], color psychology [ 14 – 16 ], cognitive psychology [ 17 – 19 ], ecological self-consciousness theory [ 20 ], and probability self-consciousness theory [ 21 ]. Gestalt psychology is most widely and successfully used in interaction design.…”