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Paper short abstract

Using mixed methods in Patna, India, this study analyzes what factors determine individual's aspiration for “good” or “bad" jobs. FGDs, interviews, and a survey experiment show that beyond pay, autonomy, and flexibility, caste and gender norms strongly shape job preferences and aspirations.

Paper long abstract

This article examines both objective and culturally constructed notions that determine whether a job is considered “good” or “bad.” We employ a mixed-methods approach in Patna, India, drawing on data from two focus group discussions (FGDs), 20 qualitative interviews, and a conjoint experiment embedded in a survey of 788 workers across multiple industries. Qualitative findings show that while monetary returns, perceptions of power, social status, and autonomy are central to how individuals evaluate jobs, gender and caste norms and expectations also shape occupational preferences and aspirations. The conjoint experiment confirms the salience of caste and gender norms, alongside the importance of salary, flexibility, and autonomy. Overall, our results indicate that although “objective” criteria matter, social and gender norms significantly influence attitudes toward occupations.