New IMM thesis shows that precarious jobs increase risk of mental illness
Welcome to Signild Kvart´s defense of the thesis ”Non-standard employment and health: Exploring the pathways to health inequality” on May 16th.
Time May 16 at 9.00 AM
Location: Samuelssonsalen, Tomtebodavägen 6 + online
Supervisor: Theo Bodin, Associate Professor, Institute of Environmental Medicine
Opponent: Magnus Sverke, Professor, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University
Three questions to Signild
What is the thesis about?
The thesis explores how precarious employment—arrangements characterized by employment instability, income inadequacy and lack of rights and protections—affects health and well-being. Drawing on four studies, both qualitative and quantitative, it examines the links between precarious employment and health, and how these effects vary by gender, household resources, and broader social and policy contexts.
Can you tell us about some interesting results?
The findings show that people in precarious employment face a higher risk of mental ill-health compared to those in standard employment arrangements—even after accounting for household income. Women, and especially single mothers, are particularly vulnerable. The interviews also revealed gaps and access-barriers in relation to social protection policies for workers in precarious employment, and in response, many rely disproportionally on personal resources or family support, often at the expense of their own well-being.
What further research is needed in the area?
There is a need for more longitudinal research to follow individuals over time and understand the long-term health effects of precarious employment arrangements. It's also important to examine how policies can be re-designed to better meet the needs of workers in precarious employment, and hopefully in turn reduce social and health inequalities.