The Dual Labor Market and Workers’ Health Inequality in South Korea

Abstract

Objective We investigated how worker health inequality is potentially linked to the dual labor market in South Korea. Methods Using the data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey, we analyzed the data from 21,088 paid workers. We used logistic regression analyses to assess whether employment type or company size had a significant effect on workers’ physical and mental health and work-related injuries. Results Workers’ health status was significantly associated with employment type and company size. Nonstandard workers had higher rates of musculoskeletal diseases or injuries, and their self-rated health and psychological well-being were lower than standard workers. Company size showed a significant correlation only for work-related injuries. Conclusions The structure of inequality in Korea’s labor market according to employment type and company size seems to be affecting the health and safety of workers.