Examining the Dimensions, Predictors, and Outcomes of Work Capital

Abstract

Rapid systemic changes in the United States have exacerbated economic inequity. This trend has prompted increased scholarly attention to social class, classism, and access to work capital. Work capital is a multidimensional concept related to vocational resources, which to date has primarily been discussed in a bimodal fashion (yes vs. no). In the current study, we used latent profile analysis on a sample of 439 working adults in the United States to examine potential unique profiles emerging from work capital’s four dimensions (economic, human, social, and cultural work capital). Our analyses revealed three distinct profiles: Low human and cultural work capital, low economic work capital, and moderate work capital. Next, we identified how theoretically informed contextual (childhood and current social class and downward classism) and vocational (work volition, career adaptability, and decent work) correlates would relate to profile membership. Regarding contextual factors, participants in the low economic work capital group were from lower social class backgrounds, and participants in the low human and cultural work capital group experienced higher levels of downward classism. Regarding vocational factors, participants in the moderate work capital group experienced the highest work volition, career adaptability, and decent work attainment. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.