Occupational representations of workers in nonstandard and precarious work situations

The mental representations of employment precariousness, occupational success, and work were examined in a sample of 124 White Canadian francophones (62 men, 62 women) who had experienced nonstandard and precarious work for the last 3 years. Typologies of each of these representations were derived from the content analysis of the data collected through semistructured individual interviews. The results of this study are consistent with the literature, indicating that nonstandard and precarious workers do not constitute a monolithic population. Convergences, as well as diversity, were observed in the various representations. Besides, whereas the participants' representations of employment precariousness were mostly negative, those of occupational success and work bore witness to a rather hopeful conception of work life. The results are discussed with respect to the scientific literature and to the differences that were found between genders, age groups, and educational levels. Implications for career counseling and future research are provided.