Abstract

SATUF, Cibele Ventura Vieira. The Influence of Socioeconomic Level on the Meanings of Work: Paths towards Differentiation?. Psicol. Conoc. Soc. [online]. 2025, vol.15, n.1, pp.1-20.  Epub May 30, 2025. ISSN 1688-7026.  https://doi.org/10.26864/pcs.v15.n1.3.

The relationship with work, as well as the centrality attributed to this activity, may vary depending on certain individual and social characteristics. Among these, different socioeconomic levels (SEL) can be highlighted. Based on a probabilistic and representative sample of the population, this study aims to examine how social factors, especially those related to SEL, contribute to differentiating the shared meanings of work. The research was conducted using a mixed methodology. The quantitative analysis used Binary Logistic Regression and relied on data obtained from the seventh wave of the World Values Survey (WVS). The qualitative stage aims to understand the singularities of the phenomenon, exploring how the perceptions and unique experiences of workers are reflected in the process of assigning meaning to work. For this purpose, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted, obtained from a convenience sample, and analyzed using Interpretative Textual Analysis. The results allowed identifying mechanisms of socialization and reproduction of values that lead to differentiation of social actors in the labor market, contributing to the distinction between the opportunities experienced. This differentiation is mainly observed according to the different socioeconomic levels of these individuals.

Keywords : Meanings of work; socioeconomic status; social inequalities; differentiation.

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