A Comparison of Decent and Non-Decent Labor Market Outcomes of Youth and Adults in Türkiye: An Empirical Analysis of Pre-pandemic and Post-pandemic Periods

Abstract

This study explores the labor market outcomes of youth and adults in Türkiye, focusing on the distinction between decent and non-decent employment during the pre- and post-pandemic periods. Drawing on microdata from the Household Labor Force Survey (2018–2022), the research examines key dimensions of decent work, including job security, social protection, and equal opportunities. Youth, defined as individuals aged 15–24, are disproportionately affected by unemployment, precarious jobs, and skill mismatches, highlighting critical vulnerabilities in Türkiye’s labor market. The findings reveal stark disparities between youth and adults. Youth are overrepresented in non-decent employment, particularly in sectors like agriculture and trade, and face significant wage disparities compared to adults. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, with youth experiencing greater employment instability and slower recovery in decent job opportunities. Educational attainment emerged as a pivotal factor, with higher levels correlating strongly with access to decent employment. However, systemic skill mismatches persist, impeding labor market integration.

Keywords

• Decent work
• Wage gap
• Microeconometrics
• Young workforce
• COVID-19
• Household Labor Force Survey

Türkiye'de Gençlerin ve Yetişkinlerin İnsana Yakışır ve İnsana Yakışmayan İşgücü Piyasası Sonuçlarının Karşılaştırılması: Pandemi Öncesi ve Pandemi Sonrası Dönemlerin Ampirik Bir Analizi

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de gençler ve yetişkinler arasında, pandemi öncesi ve sonrası dönemlerde "insana yakışır" ve "insana yakışmayan" istihdam arasındaki farklılıklara odaklanmaktadır. 2018-2022 yıllarını kapsayan Hanehalkı İşgücü Anketi mikro verilerinden yararlanan araştırma, iş güvenliği, sosyal koruma ve eşit fırsatlar gibi insana yakışır işin temel boyutlarını değerlendirmektedir. 15-24 yaş arası bireyler olarak tanımlanan gençler, işsizlik, güvencesiz işler ve beceri uyumsuzluklarından orantısız bir şekilde etkilenmekte ve bu durum Türkiye'nin işgücü piyasasındaki kritik kırılganlıkları ortaya koymaktadır. Araştırma sonuçları, gençler ve yetişkinler arasında belirgin eşitsizlikler olduğunu göstermektedir. Gençler, özellikle tarım ve ticaret gibi sektörlerde insana yakışmayan istihdamda aşırı temsil edilmekte ve yetişkinlere kıyasla önemli ücret farklılıkları ile karşılaşmaktadır. COVID-19 pandemisi, bu sorunları daha da kötüleştirmiş, gençler arasında istihdam istikrarsızlığını artırmış ve insana yakışır iş fırsatlarına erişimde daha yavaş bir iyileşme süreci yaşanmasına neden olmuştur. Eğitim düzeyi, insana yakışır istihdama erişimle güçlü bir şekilde ilişkili kritik bir faktör olarak öne çıkmıştır. Ancak, sistematik beceri uyumsuzlukları devam etmekte ve işgücü piyasasına entegrasyonu engellemektedir. Çalışma, eğitimi iyileştirmeye, becerileri piyasa talepleriyle uyumlu hale getirmeye ve kapsayıcı iş yaratmayı teşvik etmeye yönelik hedefe odaklı politikaların önemini vurgulamaktadır. Bu sorunların ele alınması, Türkiye'nin demografik fırsat penceresinden yararlanması, sürdürülebilir ekonomik büyüme sağlaması ve genç iş gücü için daha iyi işgücü piyasası sonuçları elde etmesi açısından hayati öneme sahiptir.

Keywords

• İnsana yakışır iş
• Ücret farkları
• Mikroekonometri
• Genç işgücü
• COVID-19
• Hanehalkı İşgücü Anketi

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