Re-thinking social exclusion in later life: a case for a new framework for measurement

an article by Catherine A Macleod and Gill Windle (Bangor University, UK), Andy Ross and Amanda Sacker (ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health (ICLS); University College London, UK) and Gopallakrishnan Netuvel (ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health (ICLS); University College London, UK; University of East London, UK) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 1 (January 2019)

Abstract

Social exclusion is a dynamic multi-dimensional process that is interactive in nature.

The complex interplay between domains, whereby each domain can act as a determinant, indicator and/or outcome of social exclusion, hinders understanding of the process and the mechanisms through which social exclusion exists.

This article highlights the need to disentangle these pathways and move beyond descriptive accounts of social exclusion, presenting a new working framework that allows direct hypothesis testing of these between-domain relationships. Whilst this working framework can be applied to any population, this article focuses on older adults. Life events that can drive social exclusion such as bereavement and changes in health are more likely to occur in later life, and occur more frequently, increasing the risk of social exclusion for this population.

Rooted in the new working framework, this article presents the construction of later life social exclusion measures for use with Understanding Society – the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study. The validity of these measures are considered by examining the characteristics of those aged 65 years and over who score the highest, and therefore experience the greatest level of exclusion.

This new working framework and developed social exclusion measures provide a platform from which to explore the complex relationships between domains of social exclusion and ultimately provide a clearer understanding of this intricate multi-dimensional process.

Full text (PDF 38pp)

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Comparing retrospective and panel data collection methods to assess labor market dynamics [feedly]

an article by  Ragui Assaad (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA),  Caroline Krafft (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA; St. Catherine University, St. Paul, USA) and Shaimaa Yassin (University of Lausanne, Switzerland; University of Le Mans, France)  published in IZA Journal of Development and Migration Volume 8  Article 17 (2018)

Abstract

There is potential for measurement problems in both retrospective and panel microdata.

In this paper, we compare results on basic indicators related to labor markets and their dynamics from retrospective and panel survey data in Egypt, in order to determine the conditions under which results are similar or different.

Specifically, we

1. assess the consistency of reporting of time-invariant characteristics in different waves of the panel,
2. compare the retrospective and panel data results on past labor market statuses,
3. assess the consistency of estimates of labor market transition rates across two specific dates by comparing panel and retrospective data,
4. assess the consistency of estimates of the level and trends of annual labor market transition rates across retrospective data from different waves of the survey, and
5. assess whether retrospective data can provide accurate trends of labor market aggregates, such as unemployment rates.

We find that it is possible to garner useful information on labor market dynamics from retrospective data, but one must be cautious about which information to trust and at what level of detail. We conclude with a discussion of implications for future research as well as future survey design.

JEL Classification: C83, C81, J01, J62, J64

Full text (PDF 34pp)

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