The political lessons of precarious work: How profiles of perceived income inadequacy and job insecurity relate to union membership and political trust

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of job insecurity and perceived income inadequacy trajectories and their implications for political attitudes. The authors examine these phenomena over a period of five years, using latent class growth analysis. Using data from the Dutch LISS panel with 5662 employees, the study uncovers five distinct profiles that portray diverse levels of job insecurity and perceived income inadequacy, which are relatively stable across time or show only small changes: (1) very low job insecurity and adequate incomes, (2) converging low job insecurity and adequate incomes, (3) low job insecurity and high income inadequacy, (4) increasing job insecurity and high income inadequacy, (5) high job insecurity and adequate incomes. The study explores connections between these trajectories and political attitudes and behaviour, particularly union membership and trust. Union membership is highest among those with the greatest job insecurity. Examining trust in government, the economy, democracy and parliament, the authors find significant differences in trust levels among the five profiles. The most precarious profile consistently registers the lowest trust scores.