Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Working Paper Series,
Stockholm University, Swedish Institute for Social Research

No 3/2023: Individualized Benefits and Access to Active Labor Market Programs Boost Refugee Women’s Economic Integration

Cristina Bratu (), Linna Martén () and Lillit Ottosson ()
Additional contact information
Cristina Bratu: VATT Institute for Economic Research
Linna Martén: Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University, Postal: SOFI, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
Lillit Ottosson: Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University, Postal: SOFI, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: The economic and social integration of refugees is a key policy concern. The situation of refugee women is particularly challenging, as many never enter the labor force. We study a reform of the Swedish integration program that aimed to tackle this issue by increasing women’s participation in and access to active labor market programs. Using administrative data and a regression discontinuity design, we show that the reform resulted in lasting improvements in women’s earnings and employment. We find no effects for men. Additional analyses suggest that individualizing benefits and early registration with the Public Employment Service are key mechanisms.

Keywords: Refugees; Integration; Active Labor Market Program

JEL-codes: J08; J15; J61

Language: English

16 pages, May 23, 2023

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