The labour market behaviour of older adults in China: patterns, associated factors and policy implications

Abstract

Against the background of population ageing, the financial sustainability of the public pension system has become a major concern in the Chinese context. While extending the working lives of older adults has been considered as an important solution, there is limited information of the labour market behaviour of older adults in China, as well as the factors that influence their labour market behaviour in later life. In order to achieve better exploitation of human resources of older adults, research on a comprehensive understanding of the labour market behaviour of older adults is required. Making use of longitudinal data and retrospective data, this thesis examines a) the patterns of labour market behaviour of older adults at different time points over the life course and b) the potential impact of individual characteristics, family characteristics and work experiences on the labour market behaviour in later life.

The results show that there is wide heterogeneity in labour market behaviour, which continues over the life course. In addition, there are significant changes in the labour market behaviour over time, which are largely related to the institutional backgrounds. In terms of influencing factors, the results confirm the effect of individual characteristics, family characteristics and long-term factors on labour market behaviour in later life. Specifically, the importance of intergenerational material transfers and time transfers with other family members, and work trajectories is highlighted, which is rarely studied in the Chinese context. These findings can help to inform policy-makers with the reform of the public pension system, as well as the development of a healthy ageing agenda which incorporates other relevant areas of work, such as family care policies.

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ORCID for Maria Evandrou: orcid.org/0000-0002-2115-9358

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