Intersectionality and benefit receipt: The interplay between education, gender, age and migration background

Abstract

This study examines differences in benefit receipt using an intersectional approach. Intersectionality theory emphasizes the importance of the interplay of multiple social dimensions. Taking this as a starting point, the paper investigates how different combinations of three demographic variables plus education buffer or amplify benefit receipt and thereby create relatively advantaged and disadvantaged groups. Administrative data were used, sourced from Dutch registers that provide accurate and detailed information on benefit receipt for the entire Dutch population, including small and hard-to-reach segments. Multilevel Analyses of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) are performed to assess which intersectional groups are relatively advantaged or disadvantaged with respect to benefit receipt. Intersectional group differences are more pronounced for social assistance than for unemployment insurance. Complex combinations of education, gender, age and migration background are required to better understand differences in benefit receipt, especially for unemployment insurance.