Work

Entrepreneurial, precarious or leaving altogether? Work trajectories in the creative industries in the Netherlands

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article seeks to identify variety in work trajectories in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) and the extent to which structural inequalities can be observed in who ends up in which trajectory. The omnipresent inequalities in the sector suggest that some might be in a better position to escape precarious trajectories than others. Multichannel sequence analysis is used to map the work trajectories of employees, employers and self-employed workers in the CCI in the Netherlands over 10 years. The results show that more than half of them leave the sector during the observation window. Contrary to what is often assumed, characteristics of traditional careers can be observed alongside flexible ones. Work trajectories characterised by flexible labour market positions are also the most precarious in terms of income, but make it more likely that workers stay. However, staying in the sector is less achievable for marginalised groups.

Source: Cultural Trends

DOI: 10.1080/09548963.2025.2471333

Author: Wike Been

Institutions: University of Groningen, University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Industries and Urban Development

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Instituut Gak