Inequalities and Age-Related Disadvantages in Late Working Life and Labour Market Exit in Sweden

Abstract

The participation of older individuals in the labour market has increased as a result of recent demographic and societal shifts, as well as reforms of pension and social security systems. However, employment inequalities in late working life and labour market exit persist. Early exit from the labour market affects the sustainability of public finances and the availability of skilled labour, as well as the financial, social, mental, and physical well-being of individuals. So far, the literature on employment in late working life and labour market exit has mainly focused on individual choices. However, employment and exit in late working life are complex phenomena that depend on a variety of factors, such as individual life courses and labour market conditions. Based on Swedish register data, this thesis examines inequalities in employment and labour market exit among people aged 55 and over in Sweden, and the role of life course and age-related labour market disadvantages, including studies on: inequalities and diversity between gender and educational groups (Study 1); the relationship between mid-life labour market attachment and patterns of labour market exit (Study 2); agerelated disadvantages in unemployment risk and re-employment chances (Study 3); and the link between older workers' hiring chances and the characteristics and labour market conditions of employers (Study 4). Study 1 shows that employment trajectories, including the receipt of pension, unemployment and disability benefits, are structured by gender and education. While women tend to exit the labour market earlier than men and are more likely to receive disability benefits, men are more likely to move into self-employment or to receive unemployment benefits. Study 2 demonstrates that individuals with low labour market attachment early (at age 30) or late (at age 50-59) in their working careers are more likely to exit the labour market early, while low labour market attachment in mid-career (at age 40-49) is linked with later labour market exit. However, low labour market attachment in all career stages is associated with the receipt of work-related benefits in the First of all, I would like to thank my main supervisor Andreas Motel-Klingebiel for your exceptional guidance, inspiring comments, encouragement, and patience throughout my PhD process. Your mentorship, excellent knowledge, constructive advice, and perspectives helped me to grow academically and have been invaluable for my PhD work. I would also like to thank my co-supervisor, Susanne Kelfve, for your constant support and encouragement, for always taking the time to help me, your brilliant solutions, empowerment, and positivity throughout my PhD time. I have been very lucky to have had such excellent supervisors during this journey, special thanks to both of you! I also wish to thank my esteemed co-authors, Chiara Natalie Focacci and Luis Serratos-Sotelo, for excellent research collaboration, for your helpful comments, and significant contributions. Furthermore, I would like to thank al...