Older workers and ontological precarity: Between precarious employment, precarious welfare and precarious households

David Lain, Laura Airey, Wendy Loretto, Sarah Vickerstaff

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

This chapter develops a theoretical model for understanding ‘ontological precarity’ among older workers. Ontological precarity is caused by individuals feeling ‘trapped’ between precariousness in different domains of their lives. Individuals worry about the long-term sustainability of their ‘precarious employment’. This anxiety is enhanced by financial pressures to work longer in the context of diminishing financial support from a ‘precarious welfare state’ and from ‘precarious households’. The chapter presents case studies of three older hospitality workers, in order to illustrate how these different forms of precarity interact. It concludes by discussing policy implications and provides suggestions for how the framework could be used in future research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPrecarity and Ageing
Subtitle of host publicationUnderstanding Changing Forms of Risk and Vulnerability in Later Life
EditorsAmanda Grenier, Chris Phillipson, Richard A Settersten Jr
PublisherPolicy Press
Chapter5
Pages91-114
ISBN (Electronic)9781447340881, 9781447340874
ISBN (Print)9781447340850, 9781447340867
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2020

Publication series

NameAgeing in a Global Context
PublisherPolicy Press

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • older workers
  • ontological precarity
  • precariat
  • precarious work
  • retirement

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