THE CHANGING IMPACT OF INDUSTRY, HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURE, AND RESIDENCE ON HOUSEHOLD WELL-BEING

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 indica te that household well-being was greatest for those families relying o n traditional higher-wage industries (high-wage manufacturing, governm ent, mining). The well-being of families relying on higher-wage servic es was lower, most likely a consequence of the prevalence of marginal and low-paying jobs in the service sector. Rewards associated with emp loyment in construction and low-wage manufacturing were not consistent ly greater than those associated with employment in low-wage services, While changes in the impact of industry were minor, significant chang es occurred in the impact of an additional earner on economic well-bei ng over the decade. Results indicate that increasing hardship has been experienced by vulnerable populations, such as nonmetropolitan and si ngle-headed families, and minority households, particularly Hispanics, Implications for economic development strategies and work-related ass istance programs are highlighted.