Quality of Working Life in the Circular Economy: the Case of Self-employment in the Repair Sector

• DOI: 10.1007/s43615-023-00343-5
• Publication Date: 2024-01-13T12:02:09Z
• Authors: Heather A. Rogers; Pauline Deutz; Tomas B. Ramos; Andrew E. G. Jonas
• Keywords: Circular Economy

Abstract Establishing a circular economy is assumed by some definitions to include social benefits such as employment opportunities; however, research beyond quantitative job creation projections only recently emerging. While the repair sector well-established, it has been suggested that increasing circularity implies significantly expanded demand for this service. This article uses five case studies of workers, based on semi-structured interviews, explore self-employment in service sector. Findings indicate stresses work are similar those other fields, with offering opportunities both satisfaction and additional pressures. Research needs give more consideration implications transition—work may be necessity satisfactory life experience (for most people), but under-ambitious assume having sufficient achieve that, or should limit ambition sustainability transition.