Job Satisfaction Among Social Educators in Spain

Abstract

Summary

Social education is a profession in which steps are taken to address social problems. It focuses attention from a socio-educational perspective on vulnerable and marginalized groups. In turn, job satisfaction, a widely studied aspect in various professions, is formed of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can be measured with a range of instruments. Ascertaining job satisfaction is essential, as it can impact on such aspects as professional development, performance, absenteeism, service quality, and burnout, among others. In this study, our aim is to investigate job satisfaction levels among social educators within Spain and the most relevant influential factors. A quantitative methodology was followed, using the survey technique. A sample was compiled of 736 professionals from 17 Spanish autonomous communities. A statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and different inferences were established between factors.

Findings

The results showed a medium-high level of overall job satisfaction, which decreased in the dimensions related to job conditions, personnel and promotion policies, and the dimension related to rewards. Factors were also found that influenced job satisfaction, such as accumulated work experience, type of employer, sex of worker, and type of contract.

Applications

This work provides an objective view of job satisfaction among social educators within Spain, as well as influential factors; results which administrations and entities within this field can in practice apply to their employment policies.