WORKING CONDITIONS AND JOB QUALITY: GENDER DIFFERENCES AMONG ITALIAN WORKERS AGED 50+

In Italy, where the population is aging and gender inequality in the labour market persists, understanding the employment quality of older workers has become increasingly important. While extensive research focuses on young workers’ employment conditions, older employees remain understudied, particularly from a gendered perspective. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this study examines gender differences in perceived job quality among Italian workers aged 50+, focusing on earnings adequacy, labour market security and working environment. Results reveal significant gender disparities: older women experience lower job quality than male colleagues. Men report more skill development opportunities and better salary adequacy, while women report less autonomy and fewer advancement prospects. These differences reflect Italy’s persistent traditional gender norms and gendered labour market segmentation. By examining late-career working conditions, this research provides critical insights for developing inclusive labour policies that promote equitable working conditions for older adults.