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Unemployment and economic security for young adults in F inland, N orway and S weden: From unemployment protection to poverty relief
Author(s) -
Lorentzen Thomas,
Angelin Anna,
Dahl Espen,
Kauppinen Timo,
Moisio Pasi,
Salonen Tapio
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of social welfare
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1468-2397
pISSN - 1369-6866
DOI - 10.1111/ijsw.12006
Subject(s) - unemployment , poverty , earnings , welfare , economics , labour economics , immigration , social security , demographic economics , economic growth , political science , market economy , accounting , law
In this study, we investigated if there has been a displacement in the type and coverage of welfare services available for young unemployed adults in F inland, N orway and S weden over the last two decades. This question is important because a number of studies have argued that the generous unemployment benefits and extensive labour market intervention found in the N ordic welfare states shield young people from the most severe consequences of economic inactivity. In this article, we instead show that during this period, less generous means‐tested unemployment and social assistance benefits have become the most important form of income protection for young people. In evidence, earnings‐related unemployment benefits now cover only 10 per cent of unemployed S wedes and F inns and 45 per cent of unemployed N orwegians aged 24 years or younger. This development marks a significant change in our understanding of unemployment protection for young people in N ordic countries.