The role of gender and social class in work stress

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a large community wide survey on occupational stress.

Data were collected via a questionnaire, using a random sample of the general population in the north east region of England, UK. A total of 2,500 people completed questionnaires, which represented all socio‐economic groups.

The results of the bivariate analysis revealed significant differences in terms of physical and psychological wellbeing amongst the male and female sample. Multiple regression analysis provided evidence that the issue of job satisfaction is critical and different amongst both males and females and social class.

This research investigated the combined effects of both gender differences at work and social class in one given study, using one instrument, in one community setting. Recommendations for future research at the theoretical and practical level are given.