Historical labour markets

Historical labour markets deal with the functioning of the labour market (e.g., wage formation, labour supply and the demand for labour), labour market outcomes for different groups and related gaps, and labour market policy and institutions. The research is both macro- and micro-oriented, with an emphasis on large databases and quantitative methodological approaches.

We study labour force participation; productivity; wages; skill formation and careers; work-family compatibility; immigrant integration, and labour market policy and institutions in past and present contexts, often from a gender perspective.

By linking the past to the present, we may better understand labour market issues of current, and even future, concern.

Our research aims to improve knowledge and understanding of the functioning of labour markets; the evolution of labour force participation, unemployment, and leisure; gender and immigrant gaps; and the role of policy and institutions by drawing on historical experiences. By linking the past to the present, we may better understand labour market issues of current, and even future, concern.

Our research has mainly been funded by external grants from, for example: the Swedish Research Council (VR), the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life, and Welfare (Forte), the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation, and the Jan Wallander and Tom Hedelius Foundation (Handelsbankens forskningsstiftelse).