The Changing Impact of Industry,Household Structure,and Residence on Household Weil-Being1

Abstract The changing impact of industry, household structure, and residence on household well-being during the 1980s is examined with data from the Current Population Survey for 1981–1982 and 1990–1991. Findings indicate that household well-being was greatest for those families relying on traditional higher-wage industries (high-wage manufacturing, government, mining). The well-being of families relying on higher-wage services was lower, most likely a consequence of the prevalence of marginal and low-paying jobs in the service sector. Rewards associated with employment in construction and low-wage manufacturing were not consistently greater than those associated with employment in low-wage services. While changes in the impact of industry were minor, significant changes occurred in the impact of an additional earner on economic well-being over the decade. Results indicate that increasing hardship has been experienced by vulnerable populations, such as nonmetropolitan and single-headed families, and minority households, particularly Hispanics. Implications for economic development strategies and work-related assistance programs are highlighted.