Employment Characteristics, Social Support and the Well-Being of Women

The impact of employment on the well-being of women is examined using a theoretical framework which is based on the premise that social roles and qualities of roles affect well-being through their impact on self-esteem and social support. The nature and magnitude of the effects of employment on well-being are expected to vary according to the characteristics of employment. Two aspects of the nature of work are examined, autonomy and complexity. Data are based on a probability sample of adult employed women (N = 534). Results indicate that both dimensions of employment characteristics have positive effects on social support. Social support and employment characteristics also directly affect well-being.