| Abstract: | People's attitudes towards four aspects of labour-market flexibility corresponding to demands in the unemployment insurance regulations in Sweden were examined. Hypotheses of resistance versus adaptation to these demands were tested. The study showed that unemployed individuals took a relatively more negative stand towards demands on financial flexibility and spatial flexibility. Individuals in low-skilled socio-economic positions were relatively more negative towards demands on financial flexibility, flexibility on time and spatial flexibility, but had the opposite attitude towards functional flexibility. The youngest people in the sample were very similar to the middle-aged in their attitudes, but were more positive towards spatial flexibility. The oldest in the sample were the most negative towards all flexibility aspects. Women took a more negative stand towards flexibility in time and spatial flexibility. Family situation constrained willingness to be flexible. Women with children and single parents were the most negative towards being available in time. Generally, having children diminished willingness for spatial flexibility, but increased it for functional flexibility. |
