Inequality between older workers and older couples in the Netherlands: A dynamic life course perspective on educational and social class differences in the late career

Abstract

As a response to population ageing and in order to keep public pensions affordable, the Dutch government has implemented policies to encourage longer working lives. A commonly voiced concern is that social inequality in old age will increase as a result of the policy reforms. Policies to extend working lives are usually implemented across the board, regardless of older people’s ability, need and willingness to work longer. This book examines social inequality between older workers and older couples in the Netherlands. The findings of this book reveal significant educational and social class disparities in employment, early retirement, disability, unemployment, downward occupational mobility, reduction of working time, the division of paid work between partners and disadvantageous late-life employment trajectories of couples. More importantly, lower educated older workers in lower social classes are generally worse off than higher educated older workers in higher social classes when it comes to adverse labour market outcomes. Social inequality between older workers and older couples is increasing and will continue to do so if underprivileged older workers and disadvantaged older couples are not supported.Proefschrift Dissertation