The precarious work experiences of university students in shopping malls: The case of Düzce

This study examines the growing participation of university students in the young labor force, focusing on their work experiences in retail stores within a shopping mall in Düzce, Turkey. Drawing on Standing's concept of the precariat, the study analyzes the precarious working conditions faced by these students. Utilizing a qualitative, phenomenological research design, the study is based on in-depth interviews with 12 students from various faculties, conducted in January and February 2024. Thematic analysis reveals that key motivations for student employment include economic necessity, flexible working hours, opportunities to gain work experience, and the relative ease of finding such jobs. The findings underscore the broader economic and social challenges encountered by the young labor force, as reflected in students' precarious employment experiences. The study concludes that improving the security and stability of student employment, alongside enhancing social protection and adjusting flexible working arrangements, is essential to support students in continuing their education under more sustainable conditions. Key Words: Precarious work, Precariat, Student employment, Shopping mall workers, Neoliberalism, Work-education balance