The Changing (Dis-)Utility of Work

46 Pages Posted: 25 Jun 2018 Last revised: 4 Feb 2023

See all articles by Greg Kaplan

Greg Kaplan

University of Chicago - Department of Economics; Princeton University

Sam Schulhofer-Wohl

Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: June 2018

Abstract

We study how changes in the distribution of occupations have affected the aggregate non-pecuniary costs and benefits of working. The physical toll of work is smaller now than in 1950, with workers shifting away from occupations in which people report experiencing tiredness and pain. The emotional consequences of the changing occupation distribution vary substantially across demographic groups. Work has become happier and more meaningful for women, but more stressful and less meaningful for men. These changes appear to be concentrated at lower education levels.

Suggested Citation

Kaplan, Greg and Schulhofer-Wohl, Sam, The Changing (Dis-)Utility of Work (June 2018). NBER Working Paper No. w24738, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3202041

Greg Kaplan (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Department of Economics ( email )

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Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Princeton University

Sam Schulhofer-Wohl

Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas ( email )

2200 North Pearl Street
PO Box 655906
Dallas, TX 75265-5906
United States

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago ( email )

230 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60604
United States

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