Hugo Rodallega gave the Latics the lead in the ninth minute when he volleyed past Wayne Hennessey and the Colombian striker then turned provider just over 10 minutes later, feeding the ball to Tom Cleverley, who slotted home to make it 2-0.
Wanderers, who had two penalty appeals turned down before the interval, pulled one back through substitute Steven Fletcher late on but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Wigan held out to secure a precious victory.
The pressure surrounding the game had been increased by West Ham's 3-1 triumph at Fulham earlier in the day, which took Avram Grant's side off the bottom of the table.
Wolves have taken their place at the foot of the league, while Wigan are up to 16th off the back of what was their first win since November 13.
Source: PA
Source: PA