The Impact of Social Status on Promoting Sustainable Work Development from the Perspective of Social Sustainable Development: An Empirical Analysis from China

Abstract

The issue of work sustainability is a crucial component in the advancement of sustainable development in Chinese society. The present study integrates the theories of sociology and psychology in order to construct a new analytical framework for work sustainability. The present study utilised the 2022 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to investigate the impact of social status (SS) on the sustainable development of work (SDW). A total of 23,665 data points from 25 provinces were analysed, with the mediating effect of media use and intergenerational and regional heterogeneity also analysed. The study found the following: Firstly, social status significantly and positively affects the degree of SDW, with individuals in high social status positions enhancing their sense of occupational control through the accumulation of resources. Secondly, media use partially mediates the relationship between social status and SDW, with social comparison and access to information as the core transmission paths. And thirdly, there is significant intergenerational and regional heterogeneity, with the middle-aged and the elderly, and individuals from the eastern region, more significantly affected by social status. This study offers novel insight into the mechanism of the sustainable development of work and psychological well-being in the digital age, providing a theoretical foundation and practical inspiration for the sustainable development of society.

1. Introduction

In the context of the United Nations’ vision of sustainable development, which aims to ‘leave no one behind,’ the issue of how to make the workplace itself sustainable has become a core issue in the social sustainability agenda. In today’s society, the mental health of the population has become a hot topic of concern, both in practice and in academia. Social status, as an important indicator of an individual’s position in the distribution of social resources, encompasses a variety of factors such as income, education, occupation, etc., which together play a role in an individual’s quality of life and psychological [1]. And job satisfaction, as an important psychological variable that measures how individuals feel about their working conditions, pay, and career development, is not only closely related to individuals’ psychological health and well-being, but it also has profound impact on organisational efficiency and stability. A substantial body of research has indicated that an individual’s social status can considerably augment or diminish their long-term professional prospects by influencing their access to resources, exposure to risks, and identity recognition [2]. With regard to the issue of inequality in sustainability, Camminatiello (2023) proposes that the evaluation of social sustainability must take into account the disparities in employment quality among groups of differing social status [3]. At the level of organisational behaviour, Sten (2023) found that a sustainable quality culture among senior management teams can have a downward effect, thereby enhancing ordinary employees’ work engagement and long-term commitment [4]. Moreover, from the perspective of family resilience, Baskoro (2024) demonstrates that families with lower social status encounter greater challenges in maintaining employment continuity when confronted with external shocks, thereby indirectly suggesting the negative effects of status disadvantage on work sustainability [5]. Moreover, Frémeaux (2025) posits that from a public goods perspective, when employees perceive an inequitable distribution of organisational resources, they may engage in ‘free-riding’ behaviour, thereby undermining sustainable performance at the team level [6].

Sustainable development of work (SDW), as a central pillar for achieving sustainable social development, is not only about individual well-being and organisational effectiveness, but it also has a profound impact on the long-term stability and prosperity of society [7,8]. However, the factors that influence work sustainability are not confined to economic incentives or management practices; rather, they are deeply rooted in a broader socio-structural context. In this theoretical framework, the social status of an individual is identified as a fundamental socio-structural dimension that exerts significant influence on the nature of their work experience and their degree of persistence. This influence is said to be exerted through a complex series of mechanisms [9]. As demonstrated in existing research, the impact of social status on health and well-being has been explored separately [10,11]. Furthermore, the central role of the media in shaping social perceptions, values, and stressful environments has been demonstrated [12,13]. Finally, the role of psychological well-being as a key antecedent of job engagement, satisfaction, and retention intentions has been demonstrated [14]. However, a key gap lies in the fact that our integrative understanding of how social status interacts with contemporary media environments to jointly influence an individual’s psychological well-being and, ultimately, their job sustainability is still insufficient [15]. Such interactions are of crucial importance in understanding how to promote sustainable work practices in rapidly changing, highly interconnected societies with significant social stratification. In the Chinese context, the unique socio-cultural structure, the rapidly spreading digital media ecology, and the growing concerns about social inequality [16] provide a valuable and much-needed empirical field to examine how the complex interplay of social status, media exposure, and psychological well-being jointly shape work sustainability. With a focus on China, the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) has been extensively utilised in research concerning income, health and educational inequality. However, to the best of the author’s knowledge, no research has yet applied it to examine the dynamic impact of social status on job sustainability. The CFPS’s distinctive strengths in terms of occupational history, subjective class identity, and multi-wave tracking make it a valuable resource for this study. The objective is to utilise empirical analysis in the Chinese context to elucidate the mechanisms and pathways of this interaction, thereby providing evidence-based insights for designing more effective interventions to enhance work sustainability and resilience at the societal level.

This study utilises data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2022 to explore the relationship between social status, job satisfaction, and media use. The present study makes the following contributions: The present study integrates the perspectives of sociology and psychology, proposing a new analytical framework for the study of job sustainability and enriching the theoretical framework of the content of social sustainability. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the impact of social status on job sustainability and the mediating role of media use. Additionally, this study evaluates the effect of social status on job sustainability across age groups and between regions, proposing a targeted approach to the relationship between social status, sustainable development of work, and media use. This study’s findings indicate that an assessment of the impact of social status on sustainable development at work across age groups and regions is conducive to the formulation of recommendations for targeted development. The structure of this paper is as follows: The Section 2 of this study introduces the theoretical analytical framework proposed, provides a literature review on the relationship between social status and work sustainability, and presents four hypotheses. The Section 3 describes the data sources, definitions of independent variables, dependent variables, mediating variables, and control variables, and the mathematical model. The Section 4 tests the hypotheses of this study. Finally, the Section 5 discusses the content of the paper, including a comparison of the views presented in this paper with those of other scholars. The conclusions and limitations of the present study are outlined in Section 6. It is recommended that the findings of this study be taken into consideration when formulating policy, as outlined in Section 7.

2. Literature Review, Analytical Framework, and Research Hypotheses

2.1. Theoretical Analysis Framework

Conventional psychological research has elucidated the psychological mechanisms underlying job satisfaction and well-being. In accordance with the findings of Šakan (2020), it has been confirmed that autonomy, as a core psychological need, plays a key mediating role between job satisfaction and subjective well-being. This is based on the premise that when individuals perceive control over their work, their intrinsic motivation and well-being levels significantly increase [17]. Furthermore, Cao (2022) extended this perception from a psychological–social capital synergy perspective, finding that social status indirectly enhances psychological capital by shaping an individual’s social capital, which in turn enhances psychological well-being and job satisfaction [18]. This finding suggests that social status is not only an indicator of structural resource allocation, but also a social lever for psychological resource accumulation [19], which ultimately translates into improved job performance. This finding is highly compatible with Social Exchange Theory [20] and Conservation of Resources Theory [21]. The hypothesis is that higher-social-status individuals have stronger access to and protection of resources, and can effectively resist work stress and maintain psychological homeostasis.

However, three limitations in extant research must be noted: static perspectives, disciplinary barriers, and lack of sustainability. In order to break through these limitations, the present study integrates the perspectives of psychology and sociology and constructs a ‘trinity’ framework for analysing sustainable development (Figure 1). In the domain of resource conservation theory, high-status individuals have been shown to possess a greater abundance of psychological, social and emotional resources. These resources have been demonstrated to enhance job stability and skill development, as well as to act as a buffer against workplace attrition, thereby strengthening job sustainability. However, this beneficial pathway is moderated by media usage patterns. According to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), when high-status employees receive autonomy-supportive information on professional or internal social media platforms, their basic psychological needs are met, intrinsic motivation is activated, and they are more willing to engage in continuous learning and career development [22]. In contrast, the social comparison theory posits that short-video platforms amplify the ‘upward comparison’ effect through the utilisation of algorithms. Individuals in low-status positions, upon frequent exposure to the accomplishments of high-status individuals, are susceptible to sentiments of relative deprivation, thereby initiating a resource loss spiral that erodes career commitment and impedes long-term investment [23]. Gudka (2023) [24] conducted a systematic review that found that social media can also serve as a trigger for the ‘resource gain spiral’. The authors defined this term as follows: when high-status individuals leverage their stronger media literacy and network social capital to transform platform interactions into innovative resources and career growth opportunities, their work sustainability is further enhanced; conversely, low-status individuals are more prone to ICT anxiety due to information overload and negative comparisons, leading to resource depletion [24]. Tuck and Thompson’s (2024) [25] Social Media Usage Scale offers a novel perspective on the relationship between social status, media usage, and career sustainability. Their research suggests that an individual’s positive usage orientation towards social media platforms can act as a conditional resource within the COR framework. This integration of social status, media usage, and work sustainability into a dynamic resource–motivation–comparison chain reveals a nuanced relationship between social standing, resource accumulation, and career sustainability. Tuck and Thompson’s findings indicate that high-status individuals employ active, goal-oriented media usage to reinforce intrinsic motivation, leading to resource accumulation and career sustainability. In contrast, low-status individuals tend to engage in frequent upward comparisons, resulting in resource depletion and a sustainability dilemma [25].

2.2. The Effect of Social Status on Sustainable Development of Work

Social status (SS) has been identified as a key factor influencing various aspects of an individual’s life, including health, education, and overall well-being. In the context of the digital age, it emphasises the roles of the social environment, personal characteristics, and organisational practices. A considerable body of research has been dedicated to the examination of the impact of socioeconomic status on work sustainability from a variety of perspectives. In their seminal study, Rollero (2016) [26] investigated the effects of gender and occupational status on job satisfaction and work-related outcomes. Their findings highlighted the importance of considering these two factors when understanding workplace well-being [26]. In the study conducted by Yun (2024), the impact of subjective SES and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms experienced by individuals with disabilities was examined [27]. A body of evidence has emerged from the research of scholars who utilised a sample of 10,668 small- and medium-sized private enterprises in China from 2006 to 2014, thereby demonstrating that Generation Z incorporates ethical identity into their status evaluation system. Furthermore, 66% of respondents expressed a willingness to accept a reduction in salary, while 19% indicated their readiness to pursue roles within highly sustainable enterprises, thereby propelling ‘green collar’ occupations from the periphery to the forefront of the employment landscape. This shift signifies a transition from conventional economic capital to a more environmentally oriented social status [28]. A scholar conducted a comprehensive literature review encompassing 22 articles, with the objective of investigating the role of migrant workers within the home care industry of the United Kingdom. The review placed particular emphasis on the manner in which social and immigration policies influence the sustainability of employment for vulnerable groups. The study indicated that the social status of workers, shaped by immigration and policy frameworks, affects their job performance and the long-term viability of their employment, thereby highlighting the impact of social factors on job sustainability [29]. It is evident from the extant literature that organisations that are able to recognise and address the social needs and circumstances of their employees have the capacity to promote more sustainable work practices and enhance employee retention rates and satisfaction [30]. Despite the fact that scholars have been studying the relationship between socioeconomic status and work sustainability since the late 20th century, the majority of both domestic and international scholars have focused on corporate employees or specific industries, without exploring this issue from a family perspective. The present study aims to examine the impact of residents’ social status on work sustainability from a sociological and psychological perspective, and proposes the following hypothesis:

H1: 

Residents’ social status has a positive effect on their sustainable development of work.

2.3. Mediating Effects of Media Use

The mediating effect of media use has been a popular topic in different fields of the social sciences. In the context of the rapid development of the Internet, social media has also become an important influence on residents’ job satisfaction. Tian (2011) explored the mediation process of mass communication and interpersonal communication in political participation, revealing the direct and indirect effects of media communication on political behaviour [31]. De (2020) conducted a modest mediation analysis of how social media affects innovation outcomes in startups [32]. Geurts (2020) conducted a longitudinal study of alcohol-specific self-control as a mediator between general self-control and adolescent behaviour, including digital media use [33]. Johnson (2021) investigated the negative impact of media use on the mental health of Asian and White Americans during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic, highlighting the interplay between racial/ethnic identity and media use [34]. Furthermore, Langlais (2023) examined the role of social media as a mediator of attachment security and internal stress [35], while Adkins (2023) emphasised the role of social media in engaging with individual disease stigma [36]. Jin (2024) considered factors such as upward social comparison, online social support, and self-esteem to explore the impact of social media use on employment anxiety among Chinese youth [37]. Collectively, these studies contribute to the understanding of the complex mediating effects of media use in a variety of contexts. In summary, the concept of media use has been employed by scholars in a variety of disciplines, including political science, journalism and communication, sociology, and other fields of study. However, to date, no scholars have utilised this concept to investigate the relationship between social status and job satisfaction from the perspectives of psychology and sociology. The present paper puts forward the following hypothesis:

H2: 

Media use exerts a mediating effect on the relationship between residents’ social status and sustainable development of work.

2.4. The Differences in Social Status for the Sustainable Development of Work

Disparity is an inherent feature of social science research, and this geographic and demographic disparity will be further accentuated by China’s substantial size and population. A number of scholars have explored intergenerational and regional differences in various aspects of society. Okayama (2001) examined trends in disease mortality in Japan and found that the decline in mortality rates varied by age group and region [38]. Tilley (2007) examined the decline in national pride in the UK, attributing this decline to generational differences [39]. Murakami (2016) explored regional and generational differences in attitudes towards ‘luck resource beliefs’ [40]. Li (2021) examined regional and generational differences in willingness to engage in low-carbon travel behaviours [41] and developed a model to understand the factors that influence travel choices. Zhou (2025) conducted research on sustainable development in Chinese cities and found that the effectiveness of land governance not only varies significantly between eastern, central, and western cities, but also has different effects depending on the size of the city [42]. In relation to the impact of social status, scholars have utilised data from China’s 2021 CGSS to demonstrate that residents’ socioeconomic status exerts a distinct influence on environmental behaviour, with variations observed based on factors such as age, gender, and region [43]. The following hypotheses are thus proposed, and grouped regression analysis was conducted based on the age and city of residence of the sample, as discussed in the following sections:

H3a: 

There is heterogeneity among age groups in the effect of residents’ social status on sustainable development of work.

H3b: 

There is heterogeneity among urban areas in the effect of social status on sustainable development of work.

Based on the above assumptions, the hypothesised model of this study is shown in Figure 2.

3. Research Design

3.1. Data Source

The data utilised in this study were drawn from the 2022 China Family Panel Studies (henceforth referred to as “CFPS”). The CGSS is a nationwide, large-scale, multidisciplinary social tracking survey in China, implemented by the China Social Science Survey Centre (ISSS) of Peking University. The primary objective of the CGSS is to reflect the changes in China’s society, economy, demographics, education, and health through the collection of data at three levels: individual, household, and community. The present study utilised the most recent data published by CFPS. CFPS2022 comprises a total of 27,001 sample data points, and following the elimination of samples with missing values from the independent variables, dependent variables, mediator variables, and control variables, a total of 23,655 valid samples were obtained. The proportion of males was 50.57%, and the proportion of females was 49.43%; the proportion of agricultural households was 64.72%, and the proportion of urban households was 35.82%.

3.2. Variable Definition

3.2.1. Dependent Variable

The dependent variable for this study is job sustainability. The employment satisfaction question from the CFPS, which enquired about respondents’ levels of job satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5 (very dissatisfied to very satisfied), was utilised. As demonstrated by extant research, job satisfaction has been shown to be a significant predictor of long-term job sustainability. Indeed, studies have revealed that high levels of job satisfaction are associated with a reduced likelihood of employees choosing to leave their job [44]. Furthermore, research has indicated that job satisfaction has a positive impact on organisational commitment [45]. Finally, studies have demonstrated that job satisfaction can act as a protective factor against the detrimental effects of job stress on employees’ physical and mental health. This constitutes the psychological cornerstone of a sustainable work system. The present study aligns with the research paradigm proposed by Liu (2025), which conceptualises job satisfaction as a pivotal affective representation of sustainable work status [46]. This paradigm underscores the significance of job satisfaction in fostering stable employment relationships in China, aligning with the stability dimension of “sustainability” [47].

3.2.2. Independent Variable

The independent variable—that is to say, the core explanatory variable of this study—is social status. Numerous studies have been conducted on the definition of social status both domestically and internationally, and two methods of measurement are maily employed. One approach involves the use of standardised values to represent the data, while the other involves the synthesis of a new composite indicator through the application of the entropy method. The subjective socio-economic status measure in the CFPS questionnaire was utilised, with respondents being asked to indicate their perceived position within their local area socio-economic hierarchy. As a fundamental input variable within the framework of social comparison theory, SS is subject to continuous reconstruction within the context of the media environment (for instance, status anxiety induced by social media), which in turn exerts an influence on the psychological homeostasis that is necessary for the effective functioning of the workforce over an extended period.

3.2.3. Mediating Variables and Control Variables

The mediating variable in this study is the importance residents attach to media use, using question qu955 from the 2022 CPFS questionnaire. Meanwhile, in this study, three typical demographic variables, namely age [48], educational attainment [49], and urban and rural household registration [50], were selected as control variables (see

Table 1. Variable definition table.

Variable	Name	ID	Definition
Dependent variable	Sustainable development of work (SDW)	qg406	1 = very dissatisfied, 2 = dissatisfied, 3 = fair, 4 = satisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Independent variable	Social Status (SS)	qn 8012	1 = very low, 2 = low, 3 = average, 4 = high, 5 = very high
Intermediate variable	Media Usage (MS)	qu955	1 = Very not important, 2 = not important, 3 = fair, 4 = important, 5 = Very important
Control variables	Gender	qu002	1 = male, 2 = female
	Household	qa301	1 = urban 2 = rural
	Education	Bc5	1 = high school or less, 2 = undergraduate, 3 = graduate and above

for relevant definitions).

3.3. Model Design

The dependent variable job satisfaction was constructed from the questions in the CFPS, which can be considered a continuous variable; therefore, the following regression model was constructed for this study:

$${SDW}_i={\beta }_0+{\beta }_1{SS}_i+{\beta }_2{X}_i+{\epsilon }_i$$

(1)

SDW_i denotes the sustainable development of work of the ith resident, SS_i denotes social status of the ith resident, X_i denotes the set of control variables, and ε denotes residuals.

Mediation model. This study proposes a three-step regression model with social status as the independent variable, sustainable development of work as the dependent variable, and media use as the mediating variable. The first step involves testing the effect of SS on JDW, for which the model can be expressed as Equation (1). The second step involves testing the effect of SS on MS, for which the model can be expressed as Equation (2). The third step involves regressing MS and SS simultaneously in the model, for which the model can be expressed as Equation (3).

$${MS}_i={\alpha }_0+{\alpha }_1{SS}_i+{\alpha }_2{X}_i+{\mu }_i$$

(2)

$${SDW}_i={\beta \prime }_0+{\beta \prime }_1{SS}_i+b_1{MS}_i+{\beta \prime }_2{X}_i+{\omega }_i$$

(3)

4. Empirical Analysis

4.1. Correlation Analysis

Pearson’s product-difference correlation analysis revealed a significant pattern of association (N = 23,655) among the core variables of this study. As demonstrated in

Table 2. Correlation analysis result.

Variable	SDW	SS	MS	Gender	Household	Education
SDW	1.000
SS	0.166 ***	1.000
MS	0.138 ***	0.130 ***	1.000
gender	0.077 ***	0.022 ***	0.004	1.000
household	0.293 ***	0.114 ***	−0.012 *	−0.017 **	1.000
education	0.178 ***	0.370 ***	−0.037 ***	0.055 ***	0.340 ***	1.000

Standard errors in parentheses: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.

, a substantial positive correlation was identified between social status (SS) and sustainable development of work (SDW). This finding lends support to the resource conservation theory’s hypothesis that the accumulation of material resources fosters a heightened sense of occupational control. It is also noteworthy that the intensity of media use is positively correlated with job satisfaction and social status, implying a potential mediating effect of media use. However, the complexity of the transmission mechanism remains to be elucidated through mediation modelling. Moreover, the overall correlation matrix passed the variance inflation factor test (VIF < 2.5), thereby ensuring the exclusion of multicollinearity in the subsequent regression analysis (

Table 3. VIF test results.

Variable	VIF	1/VIF
MS	1.19	0.842
SS	1.03	0.974
gender	1.00	0.992
household	1.13	0.883
education	1.31	0.764
Mean	1.13

).

4.2. Regression Analysis

As demonstrated in

Table 4. Regression results.

Variable	(1)	(2)	(3)
	SDW	SDW	SDW
SS	0.406 ***		0.367 ***
	(0.017)		(0.017)
Gender	0.803 ***	0.811 ***	0.803 ***
	(0.064)	(0.065)	(0.064)
Household	0.376 ***	0.378 ***	0.378 ***
	(0.009)	(0.009)	(0.009)
Education	0.218 ***	0.095 ***	0.127 ***
	(0.016)	(0.017)	(0.017)
MS		0.141 ***	0.116 ***
		(0.008)	(0.008)
_cons	−2.350 ***	−1.004 ***	−2.090 ***
	(0.088)	(0.073)	(0.089)
N	23,665.000	23,665.000	23,665.000
R2	0.120	0.111	0.128

Standard errors in parentheses: *** p < 0.001.

, the regression analysis of residents’ social status on sustainable development of work (SDW) reveals that the inclusion of three control variables does not diminish the significance of the results. Column (1) showcases the regression of SS on JS, indicating that SS exerts a substantial positive influence on JS. Furthermore, Column (2) illustrates the regression of MS on JS, underscoring the significance of MS in influencing JS. The third column presents the results of SS on SDW with the inclusion of mediating variables. While these remain significant, their values are smaller than those in column (1), indicating that MS plays a mediating role. To further validate the research hypothesis of this paper, the analysis of the mediating effect will be conducted subsequently. Therefore, H1 of this paper is validated.

4.3. Endogeneity Test

Despite the VIF of the model having been tested in the preceding section, this cannot be circumvented due to the endogenous nature of social science research. Consequently, this study employed the instrumental variable approach to further regression estimation using the IV-2SLS model, the results of which are presented in

Table 5. Endogeneity test results.

Variable	(1)	(2)
	OLS	OLS
	2SLS	2SLS
SS	0.406 ***	0.580 ***
	(0.0193)	(0.0332)
Constant	−2.350 ***	−2.850 ***
	(0.0954)	(0.128)
N	23,665	23,665
R2	0.120	0.116
F	453.4	453.4

Standard errors in parentheses: *** p < 0.001.

. Column (1) represents the first stage regression results, where the F-value is greater than 10, indicating a strong instrumental variable correlation and a positive significance of the correlation. The second-stage regression results (column (2)) indicate that under the 2SLS model, SS also has a significant positive effect on the dependent variable, and to a greater extent. This may be due to the fact that SS, as an endogenous variable in the 2SLS model, is corrected by instrumental variables to reduce estimation bias. The above tests indicate that the instrumental variables chosen in this paper are reasonable.

4.4. Robustness Analysis

In order to further assess the robustness of the model, it was subjected to four different replacement methods for the independent variables, the dependent variable, and the mediator variable, as well as a Boots test, respectively (see

Table 6. Robustness analysis results.

Variable	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
	SDW	SDW1	SDW	SDW
SS1	−0.104 ***
	(0.008)
Gender	0.800 ***	0.829 ***	0.341 ***	0.803 ***
	(0.065)	(0.063)	(0.055)	(0.065)
Household	0.385 ***	0.366 ***	0.261 ***	0.376 ***
	(0.009)	(0.009)	(0.008)	(0.024)
Education	0.229 ***	0.222 ***	−0.264 ***	0.218 ***
	(0.016)	(0.016)	(0.014)	(0.020)
SS		0.396 ***	0.390 ***	0.406 ***
		(0.017)	(0.015)	(0.019)
MS1			0.734 ***
			(0.008)
_cons	−1.919 ***	−2.526 ***	3.040 ***	−2.350 ***
	(0.092)	(0.086)	(0.092)	(0.096)
N	23,665.000	23,665.000	23,665.000	23,665.000
R2	0.105	0.120	0.373	0.120

Standard errors in parentheses: *** p < 0.001.

). Model (1) presents the results of replacing the independent variables with the questionnaire’s qv04 new independent variables for the regression. The results of this replacement show a negative correlation but remain highly significant. Model (2) replaces the original dependent variable with questionnaire qg401 as the new dependent variable (SDW1) in the regression, which exhibits strong positive correlation with the independent variable. Model (3) replaces the mediating variable with the foreign language use of qg18, and the results remain significantly positive. Model (4) is a Boots test conducted 5000 times on the original regression model, and the result is significantly positive.

4.5. Mediation Effect Analysis

The results of the mediation effect analysis are presented in

Table 7. Results of mediation effect analysis.

Variable	(1)	(2)	(3)
	Total Effect (X → Y)	Path a (X → M)	Path b (X → M → Y)
SS	0.406 ***	0.343 ***	0.367 ***
	(0.017)	(0.014)	(0.017)
Gender	0.803 ***	0.004	0.803 ***
	(0.064)	(0.053)	(0.064)
Household	0.376 ***	−0.016 **	0.378 ***
	(0.009)	(0.008)	(0.009)
Education	0.218 ***	0.796 ***	0.127 ***
	(0.016)	(0.013)	(0.017)
MS			0.116 ***
			(0.008)
_cons	−2.350 ***	−2.253 ***	−2.090 ***
	(0.088)	(0.073)	(0.089)
N	23,665.000	23,665.000	23,665.000
R2	0.120	0.158	0.128

Standard errors in parentheses: ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.

. The regression results of SS on SDW, as shown in column (1), are significantly positive. The regression results between SS and MS, as shown in column (2), are also significantly positive. The regression results of SS on SDW after the addition of MS are shown in column (3), indicating that MS plays a mediating role. This phenomenon can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, a higher social status is often associated with greater income, housing wealth and disposable leisure time. This enables individuals to purchase superior digital devices, maintain stable internet connections, and invest more time in ‘learning-oriented’ and ‘leisure-oriented’ online activities. This, in turn, results in a significant increase in media usage frequency. Conversely, individuals of high social status are more likely to occupy managerial or professional technical roles, thereby acquiring superior information-filtering capabilities and amassing considerable network social capital. They can proactively employ professional media to obtain career information, establish weak ties, and thereby convert online resources into opportunities for career growth in the offline world. Conversely, individuals with low status receive platform-pushed entertainment content passively, which hinders their ability to establish effective support for career sustainability.

4.6. Heterogeneity Analysis

4.6.1. Intergenerational Heterogeneity

As demonstrated in

Table 8. Results of intergenerational heterogeneity analysis.

Variable	(1)	(2)	(3)
	Young	Middle-Aged	Old
SS	0.063	0.440 ***	0.441 ***
	(0.042)	(0.015)	(0.036)
Gender	0.445 ***	1.000 ***	1.757 ***
	(0.119)	(0.056)	(0.187)
Household	0.266 ***	−0.136 ***	−0.589 ***
	(0.016)	(0.012)	(0.032)
Education	1.015 ***	0.132 ***	0.213 ***
	(0.039)	(0.015)	(0.038)
_cons	−7.245 ***	0.704 ***	−1.329 ***
	(0.220)	(0.081)	(0.201)
N	6674.000	13,478.000	3513.000
R2	0.308	0.093	0.159

Standard errors in parentheses: *** p < 0.001.

, an investigation into the relationship between social status (SS) and sustainable development of work (SDW) across diverse age demographics reveals a notable distinction. In the adolescent group, the impact of social status on job satisfaction is found to be non-significant. Conversely, in the middle-aged and older-aged groups, social status exerts a significant positive influence on job satisfaction. The underlying reasons for this phenomenon may be attributed to the following factors. In the case of adolescents, their social status may be less significant due to the early stages of career development, where social status is less established and career exploration and adaptation may have a greater impact on job satisfaction. In contrast, for middle-aged and older individuals, social status has become an integral component of their professional identity, affecting their job satisfaction to a greater extent. This is due to the fact that higher social status is often associated with greater access to resources, power, and prestige, which can have a significant impact on job satisfaction. In contrast, the impact of educational attainment on job satisfaction is less pronounced among adolescents. This is due to the relatively lower educational attainment and the greater flexibility in career choice and development that characterises this stage of life. As a result, adolescents may prioritise enhancing their abilities and potential for career development over their current social status. Consequently, the effect of social status on job satisfaction is less significant in this group. Conversely, the influence of educational attainment on career development and social status is more significant for middle-aged and older individuals. Higher educational attainment is usually accompanied by higher career aspirations and social status, and this matching relationship serves to enhance the positive effect of social status on job satisfaction, thus validating H3a of this study.

4.6.2. Regional Heterogeneity

As demonstrated in

Table 9. Results of regional heterogeneity analysis.

Variable	(1)	(2)	(3)
	Eastern City	Central City	Western City
SS	0.388 ***	0.392 ***	0.429 ***
	(0.027)	(0.031)	(0.031)
Gender	0.820 ***	0.864 ***	0.704 ***
	(0.101)	(0.116)	(0.115)
Household	0.193 ***	0.449 ***	0.646 ***
	(0.013)	(0.018)	(0.018)
Education	0.451 ***	0.196 ***	−0.044 *
	(0.026)	(0.031)	(0.026)
_cons	−2.957 ***	−2.564 ***	−1.416 ***
	(0.142)	(0.160)	(0.151)
N	9687.000	7220.000	6758.000
R2	0.095	0.137	0.198

Standard errors in parentheses: * p < 0.05, *** p < 0.001.

, the regression analysis of social status (SS) on sustainable development of work (SDW) varies across different regions. The coefficient of SS demonstrates a geographical gradient, with the highest values recorded in the eastern region, the second highest in the central region, and the lowest in the western region. However, all coefficients are significant at the 1 per cent level. Such regional differences may be attributed to differences in economic development, social structure, educational level, and policy environment. Firstly, the eastern region is economically developed and offers abundant employment opportunities, and social status is found to be highly correlated with economic resources and career development opportunities. The central region has a medium economy and a relatively small impact on social status. The western region is comparatively economically underdeveloped, and the impact of social status has been diluted by economic pressures and survival needs.

Secondly, in terms of educational attainment, the eastern region exhibits a high level of education, with individuals placing significant emphasis on the psychological gratification and self-realisation associated with social status. The central region demonstrates a medium level of education, exhibiting a moderate impact of social status. Conversely, the western region exhibits a relatively low level of education, with individuals prioritising basic life needs over social status. Thirdly, with respect to social outcomes, social stratification is clearly evident in the eastern region, where high social status is associated with greater respect and recognition, which in turn enhances job satisfaction. In the central region, the social structure is more stable, resulting in a moderate impact of social status on job satisfaction. In the western region, due to the simplicity of the social structure and the prevalence of collectivism, the personal influence of social status is weakening. This validates H3b of the study.

As demonstrated in the empirical analysis presented in Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, Table 8 and Table 9, the core variable SS exhibits a robust and significant positive predictive effect on the dependent variable SDW, as evidenced by coefficients ranging from 0.367 to 0.406. The control variables gender and household were found to demonstrate stable and significant positive effects. The positive effect of education is significant, yet it is subject to variation depending on the specific model setting. It is evident that all models demonstrate statistical significance, thus substantiating the findings with robust statistical power. In the robustness analysis, irrespective of the configuration of the model (including alterations to the dependent variable or the introduction of new variables), the positive effect of SS on SDW is highly significant at the 0.1% level. Furthermore, the magnitude of the coefficient remains consistent between 0.390 and 0.406, thereby substantiating the robustness of the fundamental conclusions. The mediation effect indicates that there is a significant partial mediation effect of SS on SDW. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that SS has a strong, significant positive effect on the dependent variable only in the middle-aged group (coefficient = 0.440) and the elderly group (coefficient = 0.441), with p < 0.001, while the effect of SS in the young group is not significant (coefficient = 0.063), indicating intergenerational differentiation in the role of this variable. SS demonstrated a highly significant positive effect at the p < 0.001 level in the eastern (0.388), central (0.392), and western (0.429) regions.

5. Discussion

Firstly, from a theoretical standpoint, this study explores the applicability of resource conservation theory in the digital age. Individuals with high social status (SS) utilise their ‘composite capital pool’, which comprises material and social resources, to substantially enhance their sense of control at work and reduce occupational stress. This finding aligns with the ‘digital–physical resource coupling’ model, whereby high-SS groups synergise online and offline resources to transform traditional economic returns into sustainable work capabilities. The relationship between social status and sustainable development in the workplace is a multifaceted field encompassing psychosocial factors, occupational health, and social responsibility [51]. As Leché-Martín (2024) emphasise, psychosocial indicators, such as family interactions and communication with staff, are of importance in shaping satisfaction within nursing home environments [52]. The impact of these indicators is twofold: firstly, they influence individual well-being; secondly, and more importantly, they also influence institutional quality and alignment with sustainable development goals. This highlights the role of social responsibility in sustainable care practices. Xu (2025) provides a detailed discussion of the development and implementation challenges of occupational health and safety regulations in China [53]. The author emphasises the impact of legislative and enforcement gaps on workers’ health and safety. Such management deficiencies may hinder the promotion of fair and safe work environments, which are crucial components of social sustainability and enhancing social status in the workplace. However, traditional research has primarily focused on workplace sustainability itself. Tumen (2016) [54] examined the relationship between overall job satisfaction and individual-level job satisfaction at the workplace level. The study found that job satisfaction spillovers are prevalent at both the organisational level and the local labour market level [54]. Kim, K. (2023) used socioeconomic status as a mediating factor to explore the impact of work quality on job satisfaction, and this study agrees with it to some extent [55]. Wirtz, D. (2021) also directly examined the relationship between media use and subjective well-being [56].

Secondly, the relationship between social status and job satisfaction has received widespread attention across various occupational settings, a finding confirmed by recent research. The initial hypothesis of this study posits that social status exerts a substantial positive influence on the sustainability of work. This finding is consistent with the conclusions of several international scholars. Miho Kuwato (2020) and others have demonstrated through their study of Japanese teachers that social and occupational support systems play a crucial role in shaping job satisfaction and, in turn, influencing mental health outcomes [57]. Chen (2022) conducted a scientific meta-analysis of job satisfaction among global rural healthcare workers, emphasising its importance as a predictor of turnover rates and work status, thereby linking the social environment to job satisfaction in different healthcare settings [58]. Furthermore, scholars have explored how transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, and employee voice behaviour influence work sustainability, noting that social dynamics within organisations can either enhance or diminish employee satisfaction levels [59]. This viewpoint is further substantiated by Li et al., who assert that the mounting demand for work–life balance among Korean employees underscores the imperative for organisations to prioritise social relationships and work environment factors to enhance work sustainability [60].

Finally, Hypothesis 2 and Hypothesis 3 of this study are also consistent with the findings of numerous scholars. As Zagidullin (2021) demonstrated, the use of media has the capacity to moderate individuals’ understanding of policies, their participation in politics, and their trust in online sources by influencing their cognitive and trust levels [61]. Moges (2023) investigated the hypothesis that social media use moderates students’ participation in psychosocial learning environments. Social media was demonstrated to exert a mediating influence on the manner in which students engage in academic and social activities, thereby supporting the mediating role of media use in this study [62].

6. Conclusions

6.1. Theoretical Significance

The present study adopts an interdisciplinary perspective, combining psychology and sociology to reveal the mediating role of media use in how socioeconomic status influences work sustainability, while also validating intergenerational and regional heterogeneity. The present study aims to expand the application of two theoretical concepts—Self-Determination Theory and Resource Conservation Theory—within the domain of sociology.

6.2. Practical Significance

The present study demonstrates that social status exerts a significant positive impact on work sustainability, with individuals of higher social status achieving greater occupational control through resource accumulation. Moreover, the findings of the present study serve to corroborate the hypothesis that media use plays a partial mediating role in the influence of social status on work sustainability. Moreover, by analysing intergenerational and regional heterogeneity, it provides a foundation for developing targeted policies to enhance work sustainability.

6.3. Limitations and Future Research Directions

Whilst this study makes innovative contributions to research on the impact of social status on work sustainability, it is not without its limitations. It is acknowledged that the present study utilises cross-sectional data exclusively. Hence, it is recommended that future research employs longitudinal designs in order to track dynamic changes. Conversely, the measurement of SS and media use in the CFPS questionnaire is primarily reliant on subjective self-assessment, a method that has the potential to introduce biases. It is recommended that future research endeavours integrate objective indicators and diverse media types to further investigate the potential influence of different media on psychological states through varied mechanisms. At the same time, this article may also have omitted some variables.

7. Suggestions

Firstly, it is imperative that career development support and the equitable distribution of resources are strengthened. It is recommended that the government increases its investment in vocational training and education resources, with a particular focus on groups with low socio-economic status. The provision of opportunities for skill upgrading and retraining is also advised, with the objective of helping these groups accumulate vocational capital and enhance their sense of occupational control. This, in turn, is expected to improve their ability to develop sustainably in their respective occupations. For instance, the establishment of a dedicated fund to provide training cost subsidies ranging from 70% to 90% for workers with annual household incomes below 60% of the regional median income could be implemented. It is recommended that low-income groups receive an average of a minimum of 50 h of vocational skill training per year, with a job conversion rate of a minimum of 35% within six months of the conclusion of the training programme. In order to address the issue of career development opportunities for workers of different social statuses, it is advised that enterprises collaborate with external bodies to establish an ‘Employment Status Diversity Index’. The implementation of targeted training programmes is also recommended, with the aim of narrowing the career development gap caused by social status disparities.

Secondly, the optimisation of the media environment and the improvement of media literacy education are imperative. In consideration of the mediating function of media utilisation in influencing the sustainable advancement of work in terms of social standing, the government is obligated to reinforce regulatory frameworks and directives concerning media content. It is incumbent upon the government to incentivise media outlets to disseminate positive career development information, mental health awareness, and other pertinent content. Furthermore, the government must foster the creation of a media environment that is conducive to the promotion of well-being. Concurrently, the cultivation of media literacy skills within the school curriculum and community engagement initiatives should be prioritised, with the objective of empowering individuals, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, to discern media content with greater accuracy. This endeavour aims to enhance their critical thinking abilities and fortify their capacity for discerning media content, thereby enabling them to more efficaciously utilise media resources to propel the sustainable advancement of their own endeavours. This approach is predicated on the premise that individuals should be able to navigate the media landscape without being unduly perturbed by unsuitable content or being entrapped by illogical social comparisons.

Thirdly, the formulation of differentiated intergenerational and regional policies is imperative. In light of the heightened sensitivity to social status observed among middle-aged and older groups, the government is obligated to enhance the efficacy of the employment security framework. This enhancement should encompass the provision of policies that facilitate re-employment training and entrepreneurial support. Furthermore, enterprises must be encouraged to generate a greater number of developmental positions and promotion opportunities that commensurate with the capabilities of middle-aged and older employees. These measures are instrumental in facilitating the adaptation of these groups to evolving occupational environments and ensuring the sustainability of their employment. For the youth group, the focus is on the following: strengthening career exploration education and competency development and planning career development paths in advance. In terms of regional policies, greater investment has been made in the development of vocational infrastructure in the central and western regions. This includes the construction of industrial parks and the establishment of vocational training centres. The aim of this investment is to promote balanced industrial development and the flow of talents between regions. It is also intended to narrow the gap in job sustainability caused by differences in the level of economic development between regions. Finally, the overall increase in job sustainability nationwide is a key objective.

Limitation

Whilst this study makes an innovative contribution to the study of social status and work sustainability, there are some limitations. It is acknowledged that the present study was confined in its methodology to the utilisation of cross-sectional data. It is submitted that the employment of a longitudinal design would facilitate the tracking of dynamic changes in the future. Conversely, the measures of SS and MS in the CFPS questionnaire were primarily reliant on subjective self-assessment, a method with the potential to introduce bias. Subsequent studies may offer further discussion on the various mechanisms through which distinct media may influence psychological status in conjunction with objective indicators and media types.