On the Swedish labor market, occupational segregation has decreased during subsequent decades of the 20th century. However, it remains one of the most gender segregated labor markets in Europe. The reproduction of occupational segregation is considered a result of the intersection between structural and individual factors. In studying youth’s social capital extensity and occupational choice as well as the pathway in between, the present study fills a research gap in demonstrating a gendered nature of social capital in a country praised for its gender equity. Using LPM regression analyses on panel data acquired from the 2009 and 2013 waves of the Swedish survey Social capital and labor market integration: A cohort study, the results show support for the existence of gender differences both in accessed social capital and its influence on occupational choice. Seemingly, close members of social networks facilitate men and women into different occupations. The importance of social capital extensity however, is only present when choosing a male-dominated occupation, which is interpreted as that the preferred informal job search method is more often used in the private sector were most male-dominated occupations are found.

The difficulty of getting a job varies due to individual attributes. This study was designed to examine the establishment in the labor market for academics. Focus was the inequalities in the Swedish labor market based on the variables gender and ethnic background as supposed negative outcome and social networks as a supposed positive outcome on the establishment. The intention was set to explain this based on previous research results and sociological theories about both gender and ethnic hierarchies and the theoretical, enabling power of social networks.  This research was carried out using secondary data, a quantitative material collected in Sweden as part of an International Social Survey Program, about social networks in the year 2017. A linear multiple regression analysis was carried out in the statistical program SPSS to predict the covariation between multiple predictors and the outcome: the establishment in the labor market. With a deductive approach three alternative hypotheses were constructed with the aim of testing the data for their supposed validity.  The results show us that men are better established in the labor market than women, respondents with two Swedish parents are better established than those with two foreign-born parents. This supports earlier research results regarding both the supposed male and, in this context, the Swedish hegemony. The social network's supposed positive effect however could not be confirmed. The three indicators selected to operationalize a theoretically beneficial social network showed scattered results and a lack of significance. The positive effect that social networks was believed to offer the academics in the labor market could not be led to evidence.

This thesis investigates the correlation between passion and both work engagement and employee well-being among young professionals in the Swedish labor market. Given the significant economic losses attributed to low work engagement globally, this research aims to explore how fostering passion in the workplace relates to both productivity and human well-being. By integrating theories of motivational psychology and leadership, the study examines the nature of passion and its correlation to job performance and personal well-being. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative research methodology, data was collected from 74 young professionals aged 18 to 45, currently employed in various industries across Sweden. The research employed validated scales to measure passion, work engagement, and employee well-being and applied statistical analysis to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal a positive correlation between passion and work engagement, indicating that individuals who are passionate about their jobs exhibit higher levels of engagement and job satisfaction. Additionally, the study finds that passion correlates with employee well-being, contributing to reduced stress and improved mental health. These results suggest that organizations can achieve sustainable productivity by fostering environments that nurture employee passion and engagement. The thesis contributes to the field of Human Resources (HR) by providing empirical evidence that supports the integration of passion-focused strategies in organizational practices. It offers practical recommendations for HR professionals and leaders to identify and cultivate passion within their workforce. The implications of this research underscore the importance of adopting a human-centric approach to leadership and organizational development in the contemporary workplace.

Though successively decreasing over time, gender wage gaps are still large in all western countries. When gender wage gaps exist, there is an unequal distribution of economic power between men and women. This paper examines variables that significantly relate to the differences in the size of the gender wage gap across Swedish municipalities. With data gathered from Statistics Sweden and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency for the year 2011, a series of OLS regressions are performed. By examining what variables are statistically related to variations in the gender wage gap over municipalities, for example, average wage, human capital, gender segregation and work absence, the aim is to further contribute to the field of gender economics. The results in this paper show that the gender wage gap exists in all 290 Swedish municipalities. It varies greatly with women earning only 56 percent of men’s wages in Danderyd to women earning 87 percent of men’s wages in Haparanda. In municipalities where average wages are high the gender wage gap is large. Long-term illness and lowered capacity to work are strong factors negatively affecting the gender wage gap. In municipalities where women are more affected by long-term illness and lowered capacity to work than men the gender wage gap is larger. Furthermore, there is a significant relation between the gender wage gap and human capital. The gender wage gap is larger in municipalities where a large share of the population has a higher education.

The purpose of the study is to investigate foreign-born outside Europe with a foreign academic degree, their experience of meetings and entry into the Swedish labor market. The method we used to achieve the purpose is a qualitative method in the form of semi structured interviews. The analysis method for the study is thematic analysis where common themes were found and discussed based on the theories and previous research results. The purpose of the study has been answered in the result section according to the following theme: Education- obstacles and opportunities, ethnic discrimination and integration in the labor market. In conclusion, the study results clearly show how important it is to highlight the obstacles and opportunities that characterize this academic group in the labor market. The key factors behind an effective establishment according to our result section are better acceptance of foreign academic degree from employers, less waiting time for validation of education, more experience from Swedish labor market and various contacts and networks. / Studiens syfte är att undersöka utrikesfödda utanför Europa med utländsk akademisk examen, deras upplevelser och erfarenheter av möten med och inträden på den svenska arbetsmarknaden. Metoden som vi använt för att uppnå syftet är en kvalitativ studie i form av semistrukturerade intervjuer. Analysmetoden för studien är tematisk analys där gemensamma teman hittades och diskuterades utifrån teorier och tidigare forskningsresultat som utgångspunkter. I resultatdelen har studiens syfte besvarats enligt följande teman: Utbildning -hinder och möjligheter, etnisk diskriminering och integration på arbetsmarknaden. Sammanfattningsvis så visar studiens resultat klart och tydligt hur viktigt det är att belysa de hinder respektive möjligheter som kännetecknar denna akademiska grupp på arbetsmarknaden. De viktigaste faktorerna bakom en effektiv etablering enligt vad vår resultatdel visar på är: bättre acceptans av examen från hemlandet från arbetsgivarnas sida, mindre väntetid för validering av utbildning, mer erfarenhet från svenskt arbetsliv samt olika kontakter och nätverk.

Bakgrund och problem Gigekonomin är ett framväxande fenomen på arbetsmarknaden. Arbetet inom matbudsbranschen organiseras genom digitala plattformar och buden anses ofta vara egenföretagare. Den svenska modellen har utvecklats genom åren på så vis att arbetsmarknaden ska regleras via förhandlingar mellan fackförbund och arbetsgivarorganisationer. I den svenska lagstiftningen är det inte tydligt vem som ska klassas som arbetsgivare utan det bedöms via faktiska sakförhållanden och tidigare praxis. De som sysselsätter sig med enklare gigarbete är främst migranter vilket tenderar att utöka denna problematik, framför allt genom deras okunskap om svensk arbetsmarknad. Det finns en risk för att gigarbetare och traditionella arbetare kommer att ställas mot varandra. Idag hotar ett eventuellt EU-direktiv gällande plattformsarbete den svenska modellen då lagstiftning inskränker partssamarbetet. Syfte och metod Syftet med studien var att öka förståelsen för gigekonomin i förhållande till den svenska modellen. För att öka denna förståelse valdes en kvalitativ metod där 15 semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med olika parter i den svenska modellen. Respondenterna var arbetare inom gigekonomin och informanterna representerade ett fackförbund och en arbetsgivarorganisation. Resultat och slutsats Studien konkluderar att den svenska modellen utmanas av gigekonomin. Det är av yttersta vikt att arbetsgivarbegreppet reds ut i förhållande till gigekonomin eftersom det är avgörande för hur partssamarbetet ska fortlöpa. Gigarbetarnas medvetenhet om hur svensk arbetsmarknad är tänkt att fungera är likaså viktigt. Ett EU-direktiv kan komma att påverka den svenska modellen genom tvingande lagar som i vissa fall kan gå emot praxis. / Background and problem The gig economy is an emerging phenomenon in the labor market. The work in the food delivery industry is organized through digital platforms and the couriers are often considered to be self-empolyed. The Swedish model has developed over the years in such a way that the labor market is to be regulated through negotiations between trade unions and employers’ organizations. In Swedish legislation, it is not clear who is to be classified as an employer, it is assessed via actual facts and previous practice. Those who engage in simpler gig work are mainly migrants, which tends to expand this problem, primarily through their lack of knowledge of the Swedish labor market. There is a risk that gig workers and traditional workers will be pitted against each other. Today, a potential EU directive regarding platform work threatens the Swedish model as legislation restricts party cooperation. Purpose and method The purpose of the study was to increase the understanding of the gig economy in relation to the Swedish model. To increase this understanding, a qualitative method was chosen where 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with different parties in the Swedish model. The respondents were workers in the gig economy and the informants represented a trade union and an employers’ organization. Results and conclusion The study concludes that the Swedish model is being challenged by the gig economy. It is of the utmost importance that the employer concept is sorted out in relation to the gig economy, as it is decisive for how the party cooperation is to proceed. The gig workers' awareness of how the Swedish labor market is intended to function is also important. An EU directive may affect the Swedish model through mandatory laws that in some cases may go against practice.

The main purpose of this study has been to investigate the reasons of the people in a managerial position who start studying even though they are already employed. Whether there are factors in the Swedish labor market that influence their endeavors to start study is also questioned. The study is conducted by using a qualitative interview method with part- time students who work full-time in a managerial position. The informants have suggested as their main reason to study as their desire to acquire educational credentials. After having reached a managerial position in the workplace or to look for new jobs outside of the current job, a university education or degree is usually required. To be able to continue working during their studies the employees have chosen to study part-time and at distance even though their conditions may vary. Some are prepared to reduce their working hours whereas others study during their working hours, but their course literature is paid by their employers. Thereby it can be argued that human capital theory holds but with an emphasis on credentialism.

Sedan 2000-talets början har avkastningen på icke-kognitiva förmågor ökat på arbetsmarknaden till följd av bland annat skill-biased technological change. Grupper som besitter höga icke-kognitiva förmågor bör därför gynnas på arbetsmarknaden. Givet att ett antal studier finner evidens för att kvinnor har högre icke-kognitiva förmågor än män, undersöker uppsatsen i vilken grad detta återspeglas i kvinnors relativlön. Syftet är att se om kvinnor gynnas av att avkastningen på icke-kognitiva förmågor har ökat i termer av att deras relativlön har ökat. För att undersöka detta tillämpas en regressionsanalys med fixa effekter på en komunpanel, där två olika mått på icke-kognitiv förmåga förekommer. Måtten grundar sig i mönstringsdata respektive O’net-data (Occupational information network). Effekten på kvinnors relativlön studeras under tidsperioden 2008–2018 samt 2014–2018 för Sveriges samtliga 290 kommuner. Resultaten uppvisar ett negativt samband mellan ökad efterfrågan på icke-kognitiv förmåga och kvinnors relativlön, vilket innebär att när efterfrågan ökar så minskar kvinnors relativlön. / Since the beginning of the 21st century, there has been a surge in the returns to non-cognitive abilities in the labor market, due to the influence of skill-biased technological change. This has led to a preference for groups with higher non-cognitive skills in the labor market. In light of some studies revealing that women exhibit greater non-cognitive skills than men, this study aims to investigate whether this phenomenon translates into a corresponding increase in women’s salaries, thus examining whether women are beneficiaries of the amplified returns to non-cognitive skills. To achieve this objective, a fixed-effects regression analysis is employed, using two different metrics to assess non-cognitive capacity, across one municipal panel. The research examines the effect on women's relative salaries from 2008–2018 and 2014–2018, encompassing all 290 municipalities in Sweden. The results demonstrate a negative association between increased demand for non-cognitive skills and women's relative salaries, indicating that as demand increases, women's relative salaries decrease.

Denna IMER studie handlar om att undersöka bosniska flyktingars integration på arbetsmarknaden. Det valda syftet om bosniska flyktingars etablering på arbetsmarknaden identifierar de strategier och faktorer som har varit viktiga för att få inträde till arbetsmarknaden. Frågeställningarna som besvarats är, vilka faktorer som varit betydelsefulla för bosniers integration på arbetsmarknaden i Sverige? samt om utbildning i Bosnien och/eller Sverige haft betydelse för integrationen på arbetsmarknaden och i så fall på vilket sätt? Studien avgränsas till 90- talets flyktingvåg och fokuserar på individer med någon form av utbildning, som var mellan 20–30 år när de anlände till Sverige. För att besvara studiens syfte har en kvalitativ metod använts, i form av intervjuer. De valda teoretiska utgångspunkterna är humankapital, integration och assimilation. Undersökningens resultat visar på att språk och utbildning har varit nyckeln till att inträda den svenska arbetsmarknaden. Intervjupersonerna var förändringsbenägna och reflexiva i sitt förhållningssätt. Genom att snabbt lära sig det svenska språket och utbilda sig på nytt i Sverige, samt sträva efter att bli en del av den svenska samhörigheten kunde de etablera sig på arbetsmarknaden. / This IMER study is about the integration of Bosnian refugees in the labor market. The chosen theme on the establishment of Bosnian refugees in the labor market identifies the strategies and factors that have been important in entering the labor market. The questions answered in the study is, witch factors have been significant for Bosnian’s integration in the labor market? And has education in Bosnia and/or Sweden had any significance for integration on the labor market and, if so, in what way? The study is limited to the refugee wave of the 90s and focuses on people who have some form of education, and who were between the ages of 20 and 30 when they arrived in Sweden. The approach is a qualitative method, in the form of interviews. The chosen theoretical starting points are human capital, integration, and assimilation. The results of the study show that language and education have been the key to entering the labor market. The interviewees were prone to change and reflexive in their approach. By quickly learning the Swedish language and re-educating in Sweden, as well as striving to become part of the Swedish community, they were able to establish themselves on the labor market.

The aim of this study is to gain an understanding for the factors behind the successful establishment in the Swedish labor market for foreign-born women who have a college or university degree from their home countries. This has been achieved by applying a qualitative method, whereas semi-structured interviews with five foreign-born women have been conducted. The theory used in the analysis are the theories of "social and cultural capital" and "empowerment". The findings of the study show that level of education, work experience, language skills affect foreign-born opportunities to enter the labor market. Moreover, the findings show that the interviewees perceived several obstructions to their inclusion in the Swedish labour market. These include language barriers and lack of social networks. The interviews also show that people who have an academic education from their home countries need to adapt their education to the Swedish labor market to find a qualified job. The results of the study also show that new arrivals need to apply for income support during the first period in Sweden, due to the fact that they lack their own income and assets.