Research Joris Ghysels

Abstract

The proposed research project aims to assess these adjustments in three welfare states (Belgium/Flanders, Sweden and the Netherlands) in a European comparative perspective, with the work-family conflict as a case in point. Since inequality is on the rise again in Europe, the overarching research question concerns the role of NSR policies in the redistributive capacity of welfare states.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Ghysels Joris

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Following issues will be investigated: i) how educational attainment is used to study socio-economic differentials in family formation and how these are in turn affected by ii) the effects of economic conditions, iii) changing living arrangements and iv) attitudes toward gender equity. For each of these effects we explore how policy context is expected to mediate the impact on socio-economic differentials.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Neels Karel
• Co-promoter: Ghysels Joris

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project develops a projection tool for the 'true demand' for childcare services in the region of Flanders. In a first stage the determinants of the demand for childcare services (positive selection and number of hours) are selected through regression analysis (bivariate probit). In a second stage the results are applied to all Flemish municipalities to predict the current demand for formal childcare services and determine the size of the gap between effective supply and demand.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ghysels Joris

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project provides a welfare evaluation of various policy alternatives regarding the provision of childcare. To do so, it enhances the existing 'collective household model' with children as effective actors in the decision making process. Moreover, it compares policy measures regarding childcare services in Flanders, Finland, Germany and the UK, focussing on the distributional outcomes (between households and the intrahousehold allocation).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ghysels Joris

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Steenberge Josse
• Co-promoter: Denef Marleen
• Co-promoter: Ghysels Joris

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

One of the most remarkable trends in recent decades has been the sharp increase in female labour supply and the related shift from a breadwinner towards a dual-earner society (Cantillon, 1991). On the other hand, the proliferation of dual earnership has not been universal: large numbers of low-skilled women remain inactivity or end up in unemployment. This conclusion has important socio-economic implications: not only do single-earner families face a high poverty risk, but this effect is further reinforced by the fact that low-skilled women tend to live together with low-skilled partners whose earnings potential is also low. Moreover, the employment of low-skilled women is a key issue in the European Employment Strategy, which stresses the importance of a rise in employment levels in order to sustain social security in a greying society. The proposed research will investigate why the so-called Belgian combination model has not worked for low-skilled women. Various hypotheses shall be tested. On the one hand, it seems reasonable to assume that financial constraints pose a greater problem for low-skilled women with low earnings potential. On the other, it is possible that poorly educated women have developed different preferences vis-à-vis the combination of work and care. A third hypothesis is that low-skilled females face a heavier care burden, not only numerically, but also through the accumulation of problems at household level: low income, household instability (e.g. lone mothers tend to be low skilled), ethnic minority background, presence of 'vulnerable' children with a variety of problems such as learning difficulties, behavioural and emotional problems, mental and physical disabilities.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Ghysels Joris

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Equalsoc is a network of excellence funded by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme. The network consists of 13 European research centres which the Commission deems to have attained exceptional level of academic expertise in the field of social inequality and cohesion. The network intends to encourage comparative research in such areas as employment and the labour market, income distribution and mobility, education and social mobility, the family and social networks, cultural differentiation and social capital.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: De Lathouwer Lieve
• Co-promoter: Ghysels Joris
• Co-promoter: Marx Ive
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The division of labour of Flemish newly formed households is the research topic of this project. It looks at potential differences in the time allocation of the partners in these households, as compared to other households. Some central questions are: Does labour force participation tend to be higher? Does co-parenting lead to a more equitable gender-balance and more leisure? Is there a higher share of third parties (both formal and informal) when it comes to childcare?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ghysels Joris

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project