A study from the University of Eastern Finland finds that long-term unemployed individuals see their opportunities in life—such as health and well-being—as more limited than those of the general Finnish population.
The study also highlights a gender gap. Long-term unemployed men perceive their capabilities as weaker than their female counterparts, suggesting a need for tailored support strategies.
“Recognizing these differences helps us design better ways to improve health and well-being for the long-term unemployed, addressing the specific needs of both men and women,” the researchers explain.
Perceived ability
The study applied the Capability Approach to long-term unemployed individuals—those out of work for at least a year—to examine how personal, social, and environmental factors shape their ability to use resources effectively.
Findings suggest that social and environmental factors play a key role in turning resources into real opportunities. “For the long-term unemployed, money alone does not determine well-being; their immediate environment and social networks are crucial in shaping their opportunities,” the authors note.
The study analyzed the experiences of long-term unemployed individuals regarding their resources, capabilities, and related factors. By focusing on this marginalized group’s perspectives, the study provides insights into how well-being emerges through complex interactions between resources and personal circumstances.
Unlike conventional population studies, this research offers a deeper understanding of these mechanisms.
Targeted interventions
From a policy standpoint, the study argues that employment benefits should be expanded and better targeted. Finnish employment policies may currently be too narrow, overlooking the social and environmental challenges faced by the long-term unemployed.
The researchers used quantitative methods, including cross-tabulation, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling, to analyze data from 511 Finnish long-term unemployed individuals aged 20–64.
The data, collected in 2016, was part of the PROMEQ project (Inclusive Promotion of Health and Well-being), conducted from 2016 to 2019. A secondary dataset of 2,190 individuals representing the general Finnish population was also used for comparison.
