What is Precariousness – Definition of the Concept

Definition of

Precariousness

Precariousness is the condition of precarious (that which lacks resources, is not very stable or is not able to sustain itself over time). For example: “Many people still live in precariousness”, “I am concerned about the precariousness of this train: will it be safe?”, “Job insecurity is one of the great problems of this country”.

Precariousness can refer to the material characteristics of something. A house that has a dirt floor, wooden walls and a sheet metal roof can be classified as precarious, since it does not provide security nor the basic comforts that a house is supposed to have. In a similar sense, a car with broken windows and a punctured body can also be marked as precarious.

Article Topics

  • job insecurity
  • The impact on health
  • Victims of job insecurity
  • Related Topics Tree

job insecurity

In the field of jobprecariousness is linked to the lack of security and guarantees for the employee. In theory, labor relations are governed by laws that ensure certain rights to the worker. When work is informal (“in black”), on the other hand, the person lacks this containment or support, which is why they suffer from precariousness.

The job insecurityTherefore, it can imply a salary that is not enough to satisfy the essential needs of the individual; working conditions that endanger the health; working days that exceed the hours allowed by law; and the latent possibility of losing their job without receiving any compensation.

An example of precariousness in the field of work is found in textile workers who sleep in the same place where they sew or weave. Are people they charge an alarming amount for each finished garment and are also forced to work up to twelve hours a day, without having a Christmas bonus, social work or retirement contributions.

It can help you: Minimum wage

The impact on health

In a society developed, the salary is intended to cover many more needs than simple survival at the biological level (a goal that is achieved through decent housing, clothing and food, for example), but rather aims to allow access to a life with opportunities to study, interact with other people, travel and entertain. This leads us to the importance of working conditions for the emotional balance of workers.

Victims of job insecurity are very likely to suffer diseases mental, in the same way that they tend to suffer from health problems on a physical level, all because of the lack of stability to which their jobs submit them. The behavior in society of an employee who suffers from this uncertainty is altered by the insecurity generated by not having a job that satisfies his basic needs.

See also: Uncertainty

Victims of job insecurity

Even in the stages of our lives in which we cannot access the job of our dreams, human beings come to identify with our job title given the regularity with which permanent work is usually carried out and the importance it has for us, as it is the source of money we use to feed ourselves and pay for our housing. For many people, the office it is the second home, regardless of how much enjoyment it gives you.

If there is a constant and silent threat that the job will disappear, this has a negative impact on the perception of our own identity; uncertainty about monetary income leads to a lack of self-esteem and desire to move on. In short, job insecurity is a form of contempt and abuse: those who practice it force their employees to endure treatment that could be compared to torture extended over time. Victims, on the other hand, may come to feel that there is no way out, that they have no better alternative.

Continue on: Dreams