Working for fun?: the impact of employment in the arts sector on wellbeing

Arts workers earn less, yet they appear happier than other workers. Despite the prospect of adverse financial and employment outcomes, the labour market for arts workers is often characterised with an excess supply of workers. Several theories have been proposed to explain this puzzle. In recent years one theory that has gained prominence is that employment in the arts provides workers with high wellbeing, which may compensate them for the low pay they receive. Using New Zealand Census and household survey data, this study finds that on average arts workers earn about 20 per cent less than non ... Show more

Authors: Benison, Thomas; Le, Trinh; Grimes, Arthur

Published: Wellington, New Zealand, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research, 2023

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Physical description: v, 64 p.

Access item: https://www.motu.nz/our-research/wellbeing-and-macroeconomics/well-being-and-sustainability-measures/working-for-fun-the-impact-of-employment-in-the-arts-sector-on-wellbeing/

Show more

Download files