Understanding the mechanisms behind the casualisation of blue-collar jobs

Last registered on April 22, 2025
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Pre-Trial

Trial Information

General Information

Title
Understanding the mechanisms behind the casualisation of blue-collar jobs
RCT ID
AEARCTR-0015832
Initial registration date
April 17, 2025

Initial registration date is when the trial was registered.

It corresponds to when the registration was submitted to the Registry to be reviewed for publication.

First published
April 22, 2025, 10:15 AM EDT

First published corresponds to when the trial was first made public on the Registry after being reviewed.

Locations

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Primary Investigator

Name
Xin Meng
Affiliation
Australian National University
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Other Primary Investigator(s)

PI Name
Dandan Zhang
PI Affiliation
Peking University
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PI Name
Lisa Cameron
PI Affiliation
University of Melbourne
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PI Name
Minhee Chae
PI Affiliation
Nankai University
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PI Name
Hongbo Li
PI Affiliation
Peking University
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Additional Trial Information

Status
In development
Start date
2025-04-17
End date
2027-12-31
Keywords
Behavior, Labor
Additional Keywords
JEL code(s)
J01
Secondary IDs
Prior work
This trial does not extend or rely on any prior RCTs.
Abstract
This project aims to explore the underlying causes of the casualisation of blue-collar jobs in China. To do so, we conduct lab-in-the-field experiments with blue-collar workers, assessing their behavioural choices that may be linked to casual employment. We also collect data on participants' individual and family backgrounds to gain deeper insights into the factors that influence their likelihood of entering or remaining in casual forms of work. In addition, during the survey, participants are presented with information about potential lifetime income paths associated with different types of jobs. We then test whether this information influences their future job preferences.
External Link(s)

Registration Citation

Citation
Cameron, Lisa et al. 2025. "Understanding the mechanisms behind the casualisation of blue-collar jobs." AEA RCT Registry. April 22. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.15832-1.0
Sponsors & Partners

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Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)
We conduct lab-in-the-field experiments with blue collar workers in China, assessing their behavioural factors potentially associated with causal employment. In addition, during the questionnaire, they will be presented with information on lifetime income differences across job types and asked whether they would prefer a permanent job in the future.
Intervention Start Date
2025-04-17
Intervention End Date
2025-04-30

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)
Willingness to compete; Willingness to choose a permanent job
Primary Outcomes (explanation)
Participants will choose between a piece-rate and a competition-based payment scheme for their performance in the adding-up game. In addition, during the questionnaire, they will be asked whether they prefer a permanent job or a less stable form of employment for the next five years.

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)

Experimental Design

Experimental Design
The experiment consists of three economics games designed to capture behavioural factors potentially linked to blue-collar job casualisation. Participants will engage in these tasks for approximately 30 minutes, followed by a 30-minute questionnaire covering their individual and family backgrounds. In addition, participants will be shown information about potential lifetime income trajectories associated with different types of employment.
Experimental Design Details
Not available
Randomization Method
Randomisation done in office by a computer
Randomization Unit
Individual
Was the treatment clustered?
No

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters
1000 participants
Sample size: planned number of observations
1000 participants
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
control group: 500 participants
treatment group: 500 participants
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)
Supporting Documents and Materials
IRB

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRB Name
The ANU Human Research Ethics Committee
IRB Approval Date
2024-12-02
IRB Approval Number
H/2024/1099
Analysis Plan