This proposal is directly relevant to DIAL call theme 4 (labour market participation in later life and retirement), as analysed from the perspective of DIAL call theme 3 (labour market and family trajectories and the growth of inequalities). The aim is to investigate the gendered impacts of policies aimed at extending working life (EWL) in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, using a mixed methods research design, based on insights from life-course and gender studies. The project has 5 objectives, each addressed though a dedicated work package: 1) to analyse EWL policies from a gender-sensitive perspective, assessing tensions between “active aging” and gender equality goals, at the national and international level; 2) to trace intra-national continuities and change in gendered employment and family formation patterns over time, using existing panel data sets and sequence analysis techniques; 3) to assess the current working conditions of the 50+ group, across countries and occupations; 4) to explore the wellbeing and health issues faced by male and female 50+ workers in 3 contrasting occupations (health, transport, financial services), using innovative case-study methods to illustrate the combined effect of employment histories, family life events and intergenerational care services on the dynamics of inequality in later life; 5) to consult stakeholders and disseminate findings to policy makers, via gender-sensitive policy toolkits. All co-applicants will contribute equally to each work package. Expected outcomes include: innovative analytical framework; new research instruments; working papers and referred journal articles; dedicated databank; innovative policy toolkit.

This proposal is directly relevant to DIAL call theme 4 (labour market participation in later life and retirement), as analysed from the perspective of DIAL call theme 3 (labour market and family trajectories and the growth of inequalities). The aim is to investigate the gendered impacts of policies aimed at extending working life (EWL) in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, using a mixed methods research design, based on insights from life-course and gender studies. The project has 5 objectives, each addressed though a dedicated work package: 1) to analyse EWL policies from a gender-sensitive perspective, assessing tensions between “active aging” and gender equality goals, at the national and international level; 2) to trace intra-national continuities and change in gendered employment and family formation patterns over time, using existing panel data sets and sequence analysis techniques; 3) to assess the current working conditions of the 50+ group, across countries and occupations; 4) to explore the wellbeing and health issues faced by male and female 50+ workers in 3 contrasting occupations (health, transport, financial services), using innovative case-study methods to illustrate the combined effect of employment histories, family life events and intergenerational care services on the dynamics of inequality in later life; 5) to consult stakeholders and disseminate findings to policy makers, via gender-sensitive policy toolkits. All co-applicants will contribute equally to each work package. Expected outcomes include: innovative analytical framework; new research instruments; working papers and referred journal articles; dedicated databank; innovative policy toolkit.