Downgrading in the first job: who and why?

Abstract

The study estimates the probability of being downgraded at the time of the first employment according to individual socio-demographic, professional and education characteristics. This study, based on a very large French database, reveals the influence of the subjective or objective definitions of over-education.

Acknowledgements

We thank Sylvie Mendes for her remarks, suggestions and encouragements. This work also came to life thanks to research carried out in association with Elodie Le Mette.

Notes

The wording of the question was: ‘Would you say you were assigned work: – matching your skill level, – below your skill level or – above your skill level?’