This year we have had an opportunity to present our research during the 2nd Gender and Economics Workshop, organized by the University of Luxembourg on 29.06-30.06.2023. As the conference topic is relatively narrow, we really had a chance to meet top scholars working on issues related to inequality, insecurity and gender differences in economic outcomes.
 

Katarzyna Bech-Wysocka talked about non-standard working arrangements and job satisfaction. The main research question is whether the mismatch between preferred and actual working arrangements for a given worker is systematic and what are the drivers of this difference. According to the flexibility enactment theory workers differ in their ability to manage boundaries. Those with higher abilities are more likely to enjoy working under non-standard schedules than those who need their borders strictly established under standard contracts. We apply this approach to data from the European Working Conditions Survey and empirically characterize the extent of mismatch in working arrangements across European countries. We find that the mismatch less frequently affects women and parents when they work under non-standard arrangements. Additionally, we discover that the extent of mismatch is substantial and reallocating workers between jobs could substantially boost overall job satisfaction in European countries. The presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion and we have received many useful comments, which we will certainly address in the newest version of the paper.

The organizers treated us with three keynote lectures by: Enrico Spolaore (TUFTS University, Boston), Hillel Rapoport (Paris School of Economics) and Conchita D'Ambrosio (University of Luxembourg). Both Enrico and Hillel recently have worked on explaining the fertility decline in Europe in the 19th-20th century and its consequences for modern economics. They have talked about the transfer of social norms, reproductive health enhancements and migration. Conchita, on the other hand, is famous for her research on economic insecurity measures. She presented how based on applied insecurity indexes one can predict general election or retirement policies outcomes.

There were so many interesting talks, that we really regret that organizers decided to run parallel sessions, as the choice between alternative rooms was very difficult. We wished we could have seen all the presentations! Additionally, there was a poster session, where junior researchers had their chance to discuss ongoing projects. We have met so many talented researchers, and believe that some contacts made will turn into friendships and result in fruitful cooperation in the future.

Can't wait for next year!