Translators’ job satisfaction

Abstract Increasing attention is devoted to translators’ job satisfaction (JS), evaluations, and emotions concerning one’s work. Given the complex and interdisciplinary nature of JS, an explorative overview of how the concept has been approached in translation studies is sorely needed. Drawing on a corpus of 51 articles (1998–2021), we analyze the theoretical backgrounds, methods and populations in order to present a comprehensive view on the theoretical and methodological approaches to translators’ JS. The theoretical approaches can mainly be divided into psychological, psycho-sociological, sociological, and ergonomic. We assess the application and relevance of the approaches, drawing attention to how only a few established psychological theories have so far been used. Methodologically, most studies rely on survey data analyzed quantitatively, concerning translators with a particular specialization or mode of employment. Looking ahead, the topic would benefit from a conceptual analysis of JS and related concepts, as well as further exploration of established psychological theories and validated quantitative instruments. At the same time, we see a call for qualitative, interventive, and conceptual studies and for critical reflection on studying translators’ JS.