Gender Differences in Work and Well-Being in Later Life

TL;DR

This study finds that working improves well-being for older men in South Korea but not for women, regardless of education level.

Contribution

The study reveals gender differences in how work affects well-being in later life, highlighting the need for gender-specific policies.

Findings

Working status is positively associated with SWB for men but not for women.

Both lower- and higher-educated individuals experience higher SWB when working.

Education does not fully explain the gender gap in the work-SWB relationship.

Abstract

This study examines the longitudinal relationship between work status and subjective well-being (SWB) among older adults in South Korea, with a focus on the roles of gender and education. Using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2020), this study employs fixed-effects regression models to examine within-person longitudinal associations between work and SWB, stratified by gender and educational level. Findings reveal a positive association between working status and SWB for men, but not for women. Both lower- and higher-educated individuals experience a positive SWB when they are working. While women in South Korea are more likely to have lower educational attainment, this does not fully explain the gender gap in the relationship between work status and SWB. Policies should address barriers preventing women from experiencing similar SWB benefits as men, ensuring work supports, rather than strains, their well-being.

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