In the subject area of social security in case of unemployment or in professional life that is relevant for the IAB, the way social security is designed is discussed, and furthermore what support benefits and obligations to cooperate, if any, are planned and what consequences these have regarding the situation, perspective and chances of the affected persons.
The core of the focus topic “social security in changing times” is social security in case of unemployment and social security for the working population with low income. The IAB comprehensively researches the role of unemployment insurance as well as, in particular, the situation and biographies of those receiving basic benefits for job-seekers as the largest social security system for those fit for work. The different groups of persons with specific risks as well as instable employment histories with frequent phases of unemployment and periods of atypical employment or employment with low wages are important in this context. Therefore, the question regarding the role upstream benefits such as unemployment insurance, housing assistance, and children’s allowance (can) play for securing such constellations, besides providing basic benefits, arises. Another question is how this affects downstream benefits (social assistance or basic benefits in case of reduced earning capacity and old age) and what strategies there are to stabilise employment histories, for example, by providing further training and counselling during one’s professional life.
In addition to this, there are questions regarding the basic principles of social security and the counselling, support and placement process as well as the relevance of social security and the tax and transfer system for the development of social inequality. Moreover, the perceptions of justice and the acceptance of social state benefits and principles in the population are relevant.
Activities
Departments
- Research Department Panel Study Labour Market and Social Security
- Research Department Joblessness and Social Inclusion
- Research Department Basic Income Support and Activation
- Research Group Basic Income Support and the Labour Market
- Research Data Centre
- Statistical Methods
- Regional Research Network
- Research Department Labour Market Processes and Institutions
- Research Group of the Director
- Research Department Establishments and Employment
- Research Department Active Labour Market Policies and Integration
- Staff Unit Research Coordination
