To work or not to work? – older workers and the circumstances, barriers and meanings of employment in Taiwan

Huang, Pei-Ling (2014). To work or not to work? – older workers and the circumstances, barriers and meanings of employment in Taiwan. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The ageing labour force has become an unavoidable issue in the Taiwanese labour market. However, labour participation rates for older Taiwanese, as well as public intervention, still remain at a fairly low level. Moreover, little attention has been paid to understanding why older Taiwanese are consistently less likely to retain work.

By using mixed-methods, this thesis seeks to explore the reasons why there are low labour participation rates among older Taiwanese. Two distinct groups are identified here: Group 1: ‘low employment rates and low incomes’, and Group 2: ‘high employment rates and high unemployment rates’. Moreover, it is recognised that employment barriers in relation to human capital/working ability/employability are likely significant factors. Also, it finds that there exists a strong ‘not-to-work’ social attitude among the older Taiwanese.

Thus, it is suggested that the Taiwanese government’s responsibility to address relevant human capital issues and ‘not-to-work’ social attitudes should been taken into policy consideration. In addition, by taking lessons from the Active Labour Market Policy (ALMPs) in advanced countries, the current Taiwanese public employment services need to be reformed in many aspects. However, policy must consider how to reflect on local contexts as well as the diverse public attitudes.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):