Overeducation in the EU: Gender and regional dimension

Abstract

The paper investigates factors associated with the overeducation risk in the EU, with a specific focus on gender and regional variables. The study tests Frank's theory of differential overqualification, which suggests that women are more likely to be overeducated than men, especially in small local labour markets. Although women's overeducation rates usually exceed those of men, the study's results show limited validity of Frank's model due to a nuanced relationship by which gender is linked to overeducation. They suggest that gender differentiates the overeducation risk in combination with care responsibilities, whilst easier access to childcare facilities is associated with a lower risk of overeducation among women in households with young children. Moreover, migrant women are found to be more at risk of overeducation, compared to both migrant men and non-migrants. Contrary to Frank's theory, the degree of urbanisation is found irrelevant for overeducation. Furthermore, the study shows the evidence of growing incidence of overeducation in the EU in 2011–2018.