The Impact of Midlife Employment Quality on Multidimensional Poverty in Old Age

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of midlife employment-quality trajectories on multidimensional poverty in old age. To this end, this study utilized data from the Korea Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS), specifically from the 12th (2009) to the 26th (2023) surveys. The analysis employed the group-based trajectory method to examine employment-quality trajectories, followed by multiple regression analysis to assess the effects of these identified groups on multidimensional poverty among the elderly. The main findings of this study are as follows. First, employment-quality trajectories were classified into five types: 'high stability', 'medium stability', 'radical fluctuation', 'radical exit', and 'gradual exit'. Second, compared to the 'high stability' group, the 'radical exit', 'medium stability', and 'gradual exit' groups were more likely to experience multidimensional poverty. Based on these findings, the study suggests policies to enhance employment stability and improve employment quality among middle-aged wage workers. Additionally, it recommends extending the duration of unemployment benefits, introducing asset-building programs, and enhancing measures to prevent poverty among elderly women.