Economic uncertainty in the life course The couple perspective

The working life – employment – is seen as the most important economic resource for households. While employment remains the major source of economic security for the vast majority of the population, the lifelong secure employment in Western countries that characterised the 1960s and early 1970s is no longer a given. In many European countries, a growing portion of the working population lacks adequate protection, putting the economic security provided by employment under strain. If non-standard employed individuals experience more economic uncertainty compared to standard workers, it is conceivable this could affect their actions, decisions or preferences in other life domains as well. In particular, this thesis explores how economic uncertainty related to NSE affects union formation, the transition to parenthood and health.