Job quality in Jordan: An analysis based on a Job Quality Index (JQI)

Authors

Ibrahim Alhawarin
Mamdouh Al Salamat

Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

2009

Abstract

Drawing on different microlevel datasets, this working paper constructs a Job Quality Index (JQI) for Jordanian wage and salary workers for 2000–07. Factor Analysis is utilized to compile a JQI based on the following four dimensions: adequate earnings, underemployment and overemployment, and social security. Main findings are: 1) JQI appears to have improved in 2007 compared to the mid-2000s; 2) There exists a persistent gender gap in favor of male workers. Good jobs as a percentage of total jobs held by females appear to decline in 2007, unlike males, whose share of good jobs grew in 2007. No sign of convergence in job quality between males and females is detected; 3) JQI varies across education levels; 4) JQI differs across age groups. New entrants to the labor market and workers on the verge of retirement are more likely to have lower job quality compared with workers in the middle of their work lives; 5) The quality of jobs in agricultural activities is on average lower than other activities. Real estate activities tend to have higher job quality ratings than other sectors.

DOI

10.31899/pgy15.1048

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Alhawarin, Ibrahim and Mamdouh Al Salamat. 2009. "Job quality in Jordan: An analysis based on a Job Quality Index (JQI)," Gender and Work in the MENA Region Working Paper no. 4. Cairo: Population Council.