Decent Work Among Women Workers: An Intersectional Approach

The present study sought to apply an intersectional lens in predicting decent work (i.e., work that meets minimum standards for supporting worker dignity and livelihood). With a racially diverse sample of 302 women workers, we tested a moderated mediation model predicting decent work from economic constraints, experiences of sexism, experiences of racism, and the interaction of racism and sexism. Following psychology of working theory (PWT), we positioned work volition and career adaptability as mediators. Main effects were consistent with previous PWT theory and research, indicating that experiences of sexism and racism were important direct and indirect predictors of decent work. Interaction effects indicated that the interaction of sexism and racism predicted work volition and that the indirect effect of sexism on decent work was stronger at higher levels of racism. Results have implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to support women across racial backgrounds in securing decent work.