Project

Contemplating The Wellbeing of Low-Income Workers: Salutogenic Approach for Strengthening the Coping Capacity of LowIncome Workers in Indonesia

In this study, I will investigate the interaction between job resources and the sense of coherence (SOC) of low-income workers using the salutogenic perspective.

I will observe this interaction by examining the dimensions of SOC separately, to see how each job resource influences the different elements of SOC.

Being engaged to a minimum-wage job with demanding working conditions while sufficient protection, job security and workplace support are not provided, is detrimental to the wellbeing of Indonesian low-income workers. Moreover, poor financial circumstances have put these workers in difficult life situations that make them prone to stress and health issues. It is a depressing reality that many low-income workers in Indonesia suffer from severe illnesses and deviant behaviors. Concerning society issues in Indonesia including crime, homicides, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse on children have dramatically developed in number and many of them are linked to the involvement of low-income workers.

It is indeed a fact that low-income workers in Indonesia are exposed to too many stressful conditions. However, regardless of the unpleasant situation, low-income workers who are able to handle the same circumstances while remaining indicative of good behavior, good health and good performance at work are as well present. Apparently, it is possible to not plummet into problematic circumstances despite the unfavorable environment. What is it that allowed these workers to become resilient and capable of attaining a positive state of life at the presence of many demanding situations?

Questions in this research will be answered by employing a mixed-method approach with the Job Demands-Resources model as the research framework.