Perceptions of Good Jobs. Analytical Report. Risaralda, Colombia

The Perceptions of Good Jobs study has been conducted in order to better understand and explain how jobs are perceived in a number of selected countries. The report is primarily targeted to provide inputs towards the WDR 2013 and is part of a series of studies conducted on perceptions of good jobs in four countries: Colombia, China, Egypt and Sierra Leone. The main emphasis has been to explore the nature of jobs that affect living standards and enhance social cohesion. The report addresses the following research questions:

• What are the most important factors affecting labor force participation?
• What are the relations between jobs and household wealth?
• Can perceptions and stereotyping of jobs be regarded as constraints for job creation?
• What are the linkages between job benefits and job stability?
• What are the determinants of job satisfaction?
• Jobs can be evaluated using a human empowerment perspective by focusing on three features of a job: cognitive, creative and autonomous activities. What is the relationship between job status and human empowerment?
• Does inclusion in the labor force contribute to increased social trust and confidence in institutions?

This study is conducted in the department of Risaralda, Colombia. Colombia has 32 administrative departments and Risaralda is located in the western central part of Colombia, in the central Andean region with a total of 14 municipalities. Pereira, the capital city of Risaralda, has the highest recorded rate of urban unemployment in Colombia. According to Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica (DANE) the unemployment rate in Pereira was 17 percent in September 2011.