Learning and Work hybrid seminars, spring/summer 2026

The Maastricht University - SBE hybrid seminar series features researchers from different disciplines, with focuses on both academic and policy issues.

The hybrid seminar series takes place every Tuesday from 12:00 to 13:00, on site and also via Microsoft Teams.

Organisers of L&W seminars

Raymond Montizaan: r.montizaan@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Katarina Wessling: k.wessling@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Steffen Künn: s.kuenn@maastrichtuniversity.nl

  • Upcoming seminars

    When: Tuesday, 21th of April
    Time: 12.00 - 13.00
    Where: TS53 - A1.23

    Speaker: Tamara Gutfleisch - Universität Mannheim

    Titel: Gatekeepers of Opportunity? Ethnic Hierarchies in PES Workers’ Evaluation of Job Seekers

    Abstract: This study investigates potential ethnic bias in decision-making at the Swedish Public Employment Service (PES), focusing on how PES workers perceive and assign job seekers to Active Labour Market Programs (ALMPs). While employer discrimination against ethnic minorities in hiring is well-documented, less attention has been paid to other gatekeepers in the labour market. One such group are PES workers, who play a critical role in filtering access to employment opportunities, potentially shaping structural inclusion or exclusion before employers are even involved.

    Using a factorial survey experiment, we collected responses from approximately 180 PES workers. Each participant evaluated nine fictitious job seekers who varied in ethnic background and other characteristics, assessing their perceived likelihood of independently securing employment and the type of ALMP they would typically be assigned to.

    Findings reveal ethnic differences in perceived employability: Swedish job seekers were rated most favorably, followed by Chinese, Iraqi, and Somali individuals. In contrast, ethnicity appeared to matter less for ALMP placement decisions.

     

    Scheduled seminars


    12.05.2026 tba
    26.05.2026 tba
    09.06.2026 Hannah Klauber (PIK)
    23.06.2026 tba
    07.07.2026 Amelie Schiprowski (Uni Bonn)
     

     
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