A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which group is often characterized as part of the precariat?

1. Full-time permanent workers

2. Unionized skilled laborers

3. Workers with temporary contracts and low job security

4. Professionals with high income stability

The correct answer is: Workers with temporary contracts and low job security

The precariat, a term derived from "precarious proletariat," refers to a social class that is characterized by a lack of job security, unstable employment conditions, and low income. Workers within this group typically have jobs that are temporary or part-time, often without benefits or guaranteed hours, leading to a sense of uncertainty about their financial future and livelihood. This group faces significant risks and challenges, including fluctuating work hours, the absence of tradition job benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans, and a general vulnerability to economic shifts. The characteristics of having temporary contracts align perfectly with the defining attributes of the precariat, making this answer the most accurate representation of the group in question. In contrast, full-time permanent workers and unionized skilled laborers tend to enjoy more stability and job security, as their employment is generally more stable with predictable incomes and access to benefits. Professionals with high income stability are also not part of the precariat since they typically possess secure, well-paying jobs with robust contract conditions. Thus, the characteristics of workers with temporary contracts and low job security distinctly align with the definition of the precariat, making it the correct choice.