Work and the quality of life

Wilensky's (1960, 1961) proposition that the integration of work into one's total life is contingent upon the technological and social organization of the work was tested in a national probability sample of approximately 1,025 men and women. In line with Wilensky's arguments, it was found that a composit measure of job complexity and occupational status moderated the job satisfaction-life satisfaction relationship. Specifically, the relationship between job- and life satisfaction was greatest for individuals with occupations characterized as complex and high in status. The magnitude of the detected moderating effects, as well as that of job satisfaction per se, on life satisfaction, were small, however. It is argued that the scope of variables considered in attempts to understand the relationship between life- and job satisfaction should be expanded and suggestions for future research are offered.