이 연구는 중장년층을 대상으로 전반적인 고용현황을 파악하고 “괜찮은 일자리” 개념을 중심으로 고용문제의 특성을 실증적으로 분석하고자 하였다. 한국의 중장년층은 40대에 비하여 적은 취업기회를 갖으며, 특히 괜찮은 일자리 취업문제에서는 더 많은 어려움을 겪는다. 또한 중장년층 가운데 가장 취약한 계층은 고연령, 저학력, 여성 배우자 집단이다. 이들은 낮은 인적자본과 가정내 지위로 인하여 직업생활을 지속하지 못하여, 50-64세의 중장년기에 들어서 취업할 경우에도 고임금과 고용안정이 보장되는 일자리를 찾기 힘들다.
이러한 결과는 중고령층의 취업지원정책에 대한 시사점을 제공한다. 중고령층의 고용기회를 양적으로 확대하는 것을 넘어서, 적절하고 안정적인 경제적 보상을 할 수 있는 일자리를 확대해야 한다. 또한 장년층의 인적 특성을 고려하여 구인자-구직자 연계망을 강화하는 사업과 정년연령을 연장하는 제도적 변화가 필요하다.
This paper examines the employment status of the age groups of 50-64 and empirically analyzes the characteristics of their employment in terms of "decent" jobs. The age groups are given less chances of employment than the groups of the 40s in general, and of decent jobs in particular. The most disadvantage groups among them are those of old age, low education levels and housewives. Human capitals and family status of them prevented their chance of holding good jobs, which led to less chance of decent jobs even in the age of 50-64. These findings provide significant policy implications. The government should provide decent jobs with adequate income and stable employment conditions as well as more job opportunities. We also need labor market system to link the job seekers and providers, and such public rules as higher retirement age and wage-peak systems.
This paper examines the employment status of the age groups of 50-64 and empirically analyzes the characteristics of their employment in terms of "decent" jobs. The age groups are given less chances of employment than the groups of the 40s in general, and of decent jobs in particular. The most disadvantage groups among them are those of old age, low education levels and housewives. Human capitals and family status of them prevented their chance of holding good jobs, which led to less chance of decent jobs even in the age of 50-64. These findings provide significant policy implications. The government should provide decent jobs with adequate income and stable employment conditions as well as more job opportunities. We also need labor market system to link the job seekers and providers, and such public rules as higher retirement age and wage-peak systems.
