The Effect of Major Life Events on Individual's Work Centrality: Social and Economic Aspects

Abstract

This unique study compares the change in work centrality among individuals (n=407) both those who did experience and those who did not experience major life events, over the course of twelve years. The data was collected via the “Meaning of Work” questionnaire that included questions on work and life events. Special analysis of life events allows us to examine the causal nature of the relationship between life events and work centrality. The findings indicated that childbirth had an opposite effect on men's and women's work centrality. The work centrality of individuals who experienced divorce, a worsening of financial conditions and taking a considerable loan, did not change, while it increased among those who did not experience these events. There are several suggestions for the social and welfare and policymakers regarding life events, and the impact these policies may have on the magnitude of these events on work centrality.