An intersectional analysis of the health status, work conditions, and nonwork conditions of the U.S. working-classed across class, sex, race, and nativity identities

Background

Classism, sexism, racism, and nativism intersect to create inequitable conditions and health outcomes based on workers’ social identities. This study describes the health status, work conditions, and nonwork conditions of the United States (U.S.) working-classed at the intersections of class, sex, racial, and nativity identities.

Methods

Descriptive statistics (e.g., frequencies, percentages) were calculated from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey data for the total working classed sample (N = 11,884) and 16 intersectional groupings. General and psychosocial health status, work factors, and access to resources outside of work were examined.

Results

Intersectional analysis revealed divisions in work and nonwork conditions despite the majority of each grouping reporting very good/excellent health. The majority of the female Latine born-outside-U.S. grouping (60%) reported not having paid sick leave. The majority of the male Latine born-outside-U.S. grouping reported having neither paid sick leave (62%) nor health insurance (55%). The majority of the female Latine (53%), male Latine (60%), and male Black (55%) born-outside-U.S. groupings reported workplaces as less safe. The majority of the female Latine born-outside-U.S. grouping (53%) was the only grouping to report being moderately/very worried about being able to afford housing costs.

Conclusion

The health status and precarity of work and nonwork conditions of the U.S. working classed may be shaped by intersecting systems of power across class, sex, racial, and nativity identities. Intersectional analysis increases our purview to see who is most affected, how, and where, which can inform future opportunities to mitigate worker health inequities.