The Decline of Decent Work in the Twenty-First Century: Implications for Career Development

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this chapter is twofold: (1) to provide an overview of the consequences of the decline in available, quality jobs throughout the world for the individual, community, and society; and (2) to discuss the implications of the changing world of work for career development, with a focus on the psychology of working theory. First, this chapter summarizes existing research and points to the necessity of decent work for well-being. It also reviews the rise in precarious work, resulting in work instability and poverty for a growing number of workers throughout the world. The chapter then discusses consequences of the changing labour market for community and society, articulating why the decline of decent work is a social justice issue. Specifically, the chapter highlights how access to decent work has historically been and continues to be disproportionately out of reach for those who face social and economic marginalization. Finally, the psychology of working theory is presented as a particularly enlightening theoretical contribution for career development work in the twenty-first century. The psychology of working theory asserts the important role of marginalization and economic constraints in hindering access to decent work. This theory also offers several implications for how scholars and practitioners might act to mitigate such deleterious social forces that contribute to poverty and inequality.