Research Dimitri Mortelmans

Abstract

Families today come in various shapes and forms, characterized by a wide range of cultural, economic, social, and psychological determinants, and show increasingly "diverging destinies". The inherently dynamic nature of what comprises a family and how it is understood on both individual and societal level, therefore gives way to a continuous process of "doing family". The practices of doing family are shaped by social norms, inspired by cultural products that imagine possible families and regulated by a legal framework, all of which are dynamic in their own right. The overall aim of the FAMFLEX consortium is to advance theoretical sociological, literary and legal insights into how increasingly flexible and complex family practices (the families we live "by") unfold across cohorts within sociological and legal structures and institutions (the families we live "in"). This requires an interdisciplinary and mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative approach using largescale datasets and advanced analytical techniques. We develop and apply state-of-the art social science methods, socio-legal and literary approaches, embedded in the legal consideration of the constraints on current day family complexity. The innovative integration of classic (longitudinal) methodology with digital humanities (textual big data analysis incl. large language models), coupled with three main theoretical frameworks of life-course, gender, and ethnic and religious diversity, will push forward our sociological, legal and literary insights in how "doing family" unfolds today.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Joosen Vanessa
• Co-promoter: Kestemont Mike
• Co-promoter: Swennen Frederik

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Women's labour market outcomes differ strongly by migration background. Addressing the underlying mechanisms for varying labour market outcomes is crucial as the successful labour market participation of the large share of migrant origin women is relevant at both the societal and individual level. While research among general populations highlights that women's employment trajectories are strongly interrelated with their family transitions such as union and family formation or union dissolution, little is known on work-family interlinkages among women with a migration background. Moreover, life course research has underlined that prior life course experiences and meso-level (e.g. informal care providers) and macro-level (e.g. accessibility of formal childcare) contexts influence the interplay between work and family trajectories. However, it has remained unexplored to what extent such path-dependencies and contextual factors shape employment trajectories among women with a migration background around key family transitions and entail diverging employment outcomes between origin groups and generations. By considering path-dependencies and contextual factors as life course mechanisms shaping employment trajectories around key family transitions, this project will provide new insights in our understanding of varying labour market outcomes by women's migration background.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Neels Karel
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Maes Julie

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The DistantButClose project aims to investigate the public health relevance of loneliness and social isolation during pandemic times, as well as the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on loneliness and social isolation across different sociodemographic groups, expanding our understanding in four key ways. Firstly, we will investigate the influence of loneliness and social isolation on individuals' willingness to adhere to preventive measures such as vaccination, handwashing and mask-wearing that are essential to end pandemics. This will help determine the necessary prioritization of these health issues in case of future pandemics. Secondly, we will examine the short-term and persisting effects that the pandemic has had on loneliness and social isolation in the Belgian and European population, as well as the unequal distribution of these consequences based on socio-economic status (SES), living arrangements, gender, and age. This analysis will yield valuable insights for policymakers, identifying specific groups that require targeted support and resilience-building measures. Moreover, by comparing results across regions and European countries, we will evaluate the relative performance of Belgium as a whole and its regions compared to other parts of Europe. Thirdly, we will delve deeper into inequalities in two specific age groups that have been disproportionately affected during the initial phase of the pandemic: adolescents (in secondary education) and older adults (aged 65 years and over). Our aim is to gain insights into the meso- and macro-contextual conditions that have shaped these inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This contextual approach will help us develop policy recommendations for structural interventions, addressing poor social wellbeing and related inequalities (during times of crisis), as a complementary alternative to biomedical and psychological remedies. Fourthly, we will examine how contextual conditions have influenced loneliness, social isolation and associated inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing focus groups with relevant Belgian and European policymakers and stakeholders, refining our policy recommendations accordingly. Overall, the DistantButClose project will contribute to pandemic preparedness and tackle the pressing issue of the loneliness and social isolation epidemic.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted various facets of people's lives. For young adults who were on the verge of transitioning into adulthood, these disruptions may have had an especially profound impact. Similarly, older individuals were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and their day-to-day routines have been significantly affected. Family ties may have acquired a special importance to buffer some of the adverse consequences of the pandemic and to preserve health and well-being. Consequently, caregivers may have encountered new challenges pertaining to their well-being. At the same time, the role of non-family ties has received limited attention in research on the COVID-19 pandemic. The BE-WELL project is an interdisciplinary research initiative, involving demographers, sociologists, and researchers in public health. Focusing on Belgium, and adopting a comparative and life-course perspective, the project examines four main domains where care relations and well-being were affected by the COVID-19 crisis: young adults' residential shifts (Work Package 2, WP2), the variance and impacts of informal care on well-being of caregivers (WP3), the role of family and non-family ties on older people well-being (WP4), and unmet (mental) healthcare needs (WP5). The gender dimension, the socio-economic disadvantage, and welfare policies are incorporated as overarching themes of each WP. In WP3-WP5, the goal is to measure objective and subjective well-being (loneliness, physical and mental health, healthcare needs, etc.) according to specific profiles of individuals. By focusing on measurable goals, the BE-WELL project will inform federal policies, for improved care, health, and well-being during global crises.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Maintenance Claims Service (DAVO) ensures the collection of maintenance payments (meaning maintenance payments for ex-partners and maintenance contributions for children after a relationship breakdown), as well as the arrears thereof for maintenance beneficiaries who are confronted with non-payment. In addition, it grants advances on maintenance payments for children if they are not paid (in full or on time) by the person liable for maintenance. DAVO thus forms an essential safety net for maintenance recipients who are confronted with non-payment - a situation that affected one in five maintenance recipient households in 2020. However, the accessibility of this service represents a possible shortcoming of the system, as there is no automatic allocation of maintenance payments and their advances. Despite the greater need for correct payment of maintenance contributions, the take-up of various vulnerable groups confronted with non-payment remains low. All kinds of barriers, including lower socio-economic status (particularly a lower capacity to navigate complex administrative systems), physical and mental barriers (including language barriers), stigma and domestic violence, make it additionally complex to access social services. This is further reinforced if several of these thresholds intersect. Commissioned by the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, this collaborative study examines the feasibility of an automatic and universal alimony fund from a social (Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp), financial (Research Institute for Labor and Society, KU Leuven) and legal perspective ( Department of Law, University of Antwerp). From a social perspective, the barriers to take-up are examined using a qualitative research approach, in which both DAVO employees and maintenance claimants who have and have not used DAVO have their say. The financial perspective concerns a comprehensive budget estimate regarding the implications of an automatic allocation of maintenance recoveries and advances, from different levels of coverage. Various scenarios are taken into account in which, depending on the profile of the maintenance beneficiary, the automation comes into effect immediately or in phases. Finally, the legal perspective is based on an international comparison of existing automatic maintenance funds, including France, Québec, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The Belgian legal framework is also thoroughly examined to map out the possibilities and requirements for automating DAVO's services. Finally, bringing together the social, financial and legal perspectives serves to draw up an integrated step-by-step plan, through which the introduction of a universal and automatic maintenance fund in Belgium could become a reality.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Claessens Elke
• Co-promoter: Swennen Frederik

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The intellectual challenge that the Singleton project will tackle is identifying the relationship formation pathways of young adults in industrialized countries. This project departs from the currently couple centred research approach of young adulthood in which developmental pathways always seem to lead to Mount Marriage or Cohabitation Hill. In contrast, we argue that there is a fundamental hidden relationship pathway in young adulthood where individuals might be experiencing difficulties in finding the right partner, maintaining a relationship or where they make a deliberate choice to remain single and for longer periods. This Singleton trajectory is characterized by a sequence of relatively short-lived committed relationships. The central question addressed in the Singleton project is therefore why, how, when and for whom this relationship trajectory manifests itself. Accordingly the project has four interrelated aims. A first aim is the empirical description of the share of Singletons in three birth cohorts. Second, the project will look at the internal dynamics of relationship formation, maintenance and dissolution from a multi-actor perspective to identify differences between young adults. In the third objective, the project will look into how social networks, educational trajectories and career prospects influence the development of relationship trajectories in young adulthood. A final aim will look at the macro level and incorporate the rise of a "single culture" as part of a new explanatory framework for understanding the Singleton trajectory. Methodologically, we apply a Longitudinal Explanatory Mixed Methods model (2 quantitative and 2 qualitative waves) concentrating on 3 cohorts in young adulthood.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The intellectual challenge that the Singleton project will tackle is identifying the relationship formation pathways of young adults in industrialized countries. This project departs from the currently couple cen-tred research approach of young adulthood in which developmental pathways always seem to lead to Mount Marriage or Cohabitation Hill. In contrast, we argue that there is a fundamental hidden rela-tionship pathway in young adulthood where individuals might be experiencing difficulties in finding the right partner, maintaining a relationship or where they make a deliberate choice to remain single and for longer periods. This Singleton trajectory is characterized by a sequence of relatively short-lived committed relation-ships. The central question addressed in the Singleton project is therefore why, how, when and for whom this relationship trajectory manifests itself. Accordingly the project has four interrelated aims. A first aim is the empirical description of the share of Singletons in three birth cohorts. Second, the project will look at the internal dynamics of relationship formation, maintenance and dissolution from a multi-actor perspective to identify differences between young adults. In the third objective, the project will look into how social networks, educational trajectories and career prospects influence the development of relationship trajectories in young adulthood. A final aim will look at the macro level and incorporate the rise of a "single culture" as part of a new explanatory framework for understanding the Singleton trajec-tory. Methodologically, we apply a Longitudinal Explanatory Mixed Methods model (2 quantitative and 2 qualitative waves) concentrating on 3 cohorts in young adulthood. This project innovates on a theoretical and methodological level by integrating theories from various fields (demography, sociology and devel-opmental psychology), redefining determinants and launching a much needed new research tradition in Single Studies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Growing Up in Digital Europe Preparatory Phase (GUIDEPREP) project further develops the research infrastructure (RI) necessary to implement the GUIDE birth cohort study. This preparatory work will take place across 2022 to 2025 to ready the RI for the full scale piloting of the GUIDE in 2026 and the first full wave of data collection in 2027. Once operational, GUIDE will collect data about individual children growing up in Europe until those children are aged 24-years in approximately 2053. GUIDE will be Europe's first comparative birth cohort study of children's and young people's wellbeing. The aim of the GUIDE study is to track children's personal wellbeing and development, in combination with key indicators of children's homes, neighbourhoods, and schools, across Europe. GUIDE will be an accelerated cohort survey including a sample of infants as well as a sample of school age children. Each Member State and Associated Country will provide nationally representative samples that are designed to retain statistical power throughout the lifetime of the study. The harmonized design will create the first internationally comparable, nationally representative, longitudinal study of children and young people in Europe. Currently the GUIDE RI is in its preparatory phase, which involves the establishment of necessary operational procedures and further crystallisation of the study concept and design. To realise the GUIDE full-scale pilot in 2026 and first wave of fieldwork in 2027, the RI needs to develop administratively, technologically, financially, scientifically, and legally. This GUIDEPREP proposal lays out clear aims for these developments in an interlocking system of activities that are shared across consortium partners and managed by the GUIDE leadership team.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Belgian Online Probability Panel (BOPP) is an academically driven online data collection infrastructure owned by all 11 Belgian universities. It seeks to produce high-quality survey research in the social and behavioral sciences. The Belgian Online Probability Panel aims to be representative of persons 16 years or older in private households in Belgium. To this end, BOPP combines register-based random probability sampling with a rigorous recruitment strategy that combines push-to-web with face-to-face recruitment. Panelists participate in several surveys (15–20 minutes) per year, online or with paper and pencil. A core questionnaire is conducted annually to collect data of shared interest across different research disciplines. The remaining questionnaire space is available to researchers from various fields of the social and behavioral sciences for a reasonable cost. After an exclusive-use period for the commissioning researchers, the data, carefully pseudonymized so that panelists cannot be identified, is made available to the global research community. The results provide new insights into the living conditions, views, and behaviors of people living in Belgium, and how these variables change over time, for the benefit of academics, policy makers and interested citizens. BOPP explicitly sets and promotes high standards of survey data quality. The BOPP research infrastructure supports the broader behavioral and social science research community in Belgium in its mission to conduct relevant and reliable research, by: (1) making the collection of relevant social and behavioral science research data possible in a timely and cost-effective manner without compromising quality, by exploiting economies of scale in the recruitment and maintenance of a representative sample of the population; (2) facilitating – in particular – longitudinal and interdisciplinary survey research; (3) providing opportunities for innovative and experimental questionnaire design (e.g., vignettes, use of video and audio material), and for the enrichment of survey data with register data.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Decancq Koen
• Co-promoter: Van de Velde Sarah

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project will design the Belgian Online Probability Panel, ACTS (Advanced Center for inTernet Studies – Belgian Online Probability Panel). The project is a collaboration between all Flemish and French speaking universities in Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Decancq Koen

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the last few decades there have been notable changes on a demographic level regarding romantic relationship formation, dissolution, alternate unions and cohabitation forms (Mortelmans, Matthijs, Alofs, & Segaert, 2016). Research uniformly shows an overall delay in leaving the parental home, marriage and childbearing. The number of marriages keeps declining as divorce rates go up, and the amount of unmarried people who are formally or informally cohabiting climbs. A strong increase in singleness and single households can be observed on a quasi-global scale, adding to longevity and widowing (e.g. Eurostat, 2017). In the case of Belgium for example one third of people has a single household status, for the Brussels region this is even higher with 1 in 2 inhabitants living in a single household. Predictions are a rise to half of the population by 2060 (Federaal Planbureau, 2016). The trend is observed in many European countries. Despite these developments, cross national insights have not been gathered on differences between countries and policy regimes. In this project, we aim to gain insight in the determinants and trajectories of singles in Europe. We will use longitudinal and comparative methods to map singleness in the European context.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Imagine getting post-doc time from us. Post-doc time with the sole obligation to prepare a post-doc proposal to apply for – and ideally obtain - your own research grant. The Centre for Population, Family and Health of the University of Antwerp is launching a competition to attract talented PhDs in the Social Sciences who want to pursue their careers in our research centre. For this challenge, you will write a scientific essay describing a problem that urgently needs to be researched. The problem also needs academic attention from a European comparative perspective and touches on issues from social demography, family sociology and/or the sociology of disease and health. You document the problem with an empirical analysis, preferably in a comparative perspective. When elaborating the essay, you pay particular attention to issues of gender and/or social inequality. The winner's essay will be submitted to Population Europe for publication in their Pop Digest series.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Neels Karel
• Co-promoter: Van de Velde Sarah
• Co-promoter: Wouters Edwin
• Fellow: Maes Julie

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Belgian Online Probability Panel (BOPP) is an academically driven online data collection infrastructure owned by all 11 Belgian universities. It seeks to produce high-quality survey research in the social and behavioral sciences. The Belgian Online Probability Panel aims to be representative of persons 16 years or older in private households in Belgium. To this end, BOPP combines register-based random probability sampling with a rigorous recruitment strategy that combines push-to-web with face-to-face recruitment. Panelists participate in several surveys (15–20 minutes) per year, online or with paper and pencil. A core questionnaire is conducted annually to collect data of shared interest across different research disciplines. The remaining questionnaire space is available to researchers from various fields of the social and behavioral sciences for a reasonable cost. After an exclusive-use period for the commissioning researchers, the data, carefully pseudonymized so that panelists cannot be identified, is made available to the global research community. The results provide new insights into the living conditions, views, and behaviors of people living in Belgium, and how these variables change over time, for the benefit of academics, policy makers and interested citizens. BOPP explicitly sets and promotes high standards of survey data quality. The BOPP research infrastructure supports the broader behavioral and social science research community in Belgium in its mission to conduct relevant and reliable research, by: (1) making the collection of relevant social and behavioral science research data possible in a timely and cost-effective manner without compromising quality, by exploiting economies of scale in the recruitment and maintenance of a representative sample of the population; (2) facilitating – in particular – longitudinal and interdisciplinary survey research; (3) providing opportunities for innovative and experimental questionnaire design (e.g., vignettes, use of video and audio material), and for the enrichment of survey data with register data.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

During the 2020 pandemic, experts have referred to the "changing" or even "detrimental" impact of the recent lockdowns on family relations. Most claims were based on anecdotal evidence or, at best, at small-scale non-representative ad hoc surveys. This study will gain insights in intergenerational relationships drawing on nationally representative samples in a European comparative perspective. The topic of intergenerational relationships deserves close attention as the need for self-isolation has been higher for elderly during the virus outbreak. At the same time, older people strongly depend on interpersonal exchanges since relatives are crucial in their social network, support supply and well-being. Hence, the elderly may face a double adversity: the impact of infection and, indirectly, the greater hindrances of social confinement. This research aims to assess the changing vulnerabilities in family relations in the light of the 2020 pandemic. The important question arises whether intergenerational relationships are strengthened or weakened and how family characteristics play their role in this process. The project studies three aspects: intergenerational contact, informal support and well-being. In particular, it targets the impact of gender, household composition and socio-economic status. Using the COVID-19-tailored SHARE survey data for 50 000 Europeans aged 50+ collected in 27 countries, the study also addresses the heterogeneity in policy and social contexts.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Vergauwen Jorik

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

What we mean by "family" has undergone radical changes in the past decades. We can observe an increasing plurality of constellations of living together (partnerships) and raising children (parenthood) that makes it difficult to define what actually makes a family "a family". The many possible combinations of partnership and parenthood in our pluralistic society require that we conceptualize family as a more fluid concept that goes beyond the narrow legal and biological notions and definitions. We will call this "Family 2.0". The complexity of Family 2.0 has altered solidarity principles within families and between generations in family in ways that current legal and social frameworks, policies and institutions do not fully grasp yet. Family 2.0 gives rise to new questions and problems such as who has to care of whom under which conditions and how policy should react to this. The Belgian family law is too outdated for dealing with new solidarity issues emerging in Family 2.0, especially regarding (financial) maintenance regulations. Legal, moral and social questions such as who belongs to the family for how long or from when on, or who has which obligations or claims, remain largely unanswered up to now for complex families in Belgium. Hence, rights, duties and responsibilities between family members, especially for intergenerational care, are – not surprisingly – ambivalent and contested by different stakeholders. Consequently, the aim of this project is to lay the grounds for a new legal and social framework for intergenerational family solidarity, which we call FamSol 2.0. We investigate what contemporary solidarity in complex families looks like, what are its challenges and how can it be fostered. To answer this, we combine the academic expertise of family researchers from UAntwerpen, UGent, KU Leuven en Arteveldehogeschool with the insights and knowhow of committed societal stakeholders in project FamSol 2.0.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Digitalization has radically transformed the ways we organize our social lives, consume news and entertainment, find romantic partners, and interact with authorities. Teenagers and young adults consider digital devices and the constant connection to the digital world an essential element of their daily lives, but for many older people digitalization still feels troublesome. When public authorities and businesses move their services into the web, everyday life errands such as banking, shopping or administration become difficult and next to impossible for older people who do not master the technical user interfaces. Concepts such as "digital divide" and "digital illiteracy" express existing barriers and the fact that digitalization makes many older people feel left behind or excluded. In light of recent advances in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and robotization, the intensity of digitalization will only increase. Under such circumstances, improved digital inclusion of older people becomes a prime objective. Against this background, the overarching theme for this interdisciplinary SBO-project is the question of how a good life for seniors in the digitalizing society is possible. Older people have often been depicted as helpless victims deprived from the benefits of computers, internet and social media. However, the population of older adults is heterogeneous and so are their digital skills and social needs. In this project, we want to study how the ubiquity of digital tools and devices has changed and can improve the life of older people. In close collaboration with societal stakeholders and participating seniors, we want to contribute to the demystification of digital technology, help seniors overcoming current barriers and exclusion mechanisms and help them benefit from the advantages digital society has to offer. At the same time, we want to help fostering a criticalreflexive attitude toward the pitfalls and risks of digital technology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Vercruyssen Anina

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Since 2006, the consortium "Divorce in Flanders" has been studying union formation and union dissolution. Special attention has been given to single parent families and newly composed families/stepfamilies. Not only formal marriages but also unmarried cohabitations were studied. The cross-sectional first wave "Divorce in Flanders" data, collected in 2009-2010, are the most recent representative survey data available for Flanders. In order to better account for the time ordering of these life course events, longitudinal data are necessary. Therefore, the aim of the DiF consortium is to invite all respondents to participate in a second wave. Not only (ex-)partners, but also their children, parents and new partners will be contacted again. Divorce and separation do not only concern two partners, also a broader family network is involved in these life course events. The second wave data, that will be collected using international standards for survey data quality, will be made available free of charge for universities and research groups. Research activities for community and care services will also be supported.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to obtain recurring indicators of different types of informal care among Flemish respondents aged 18 or older. In order to gain insights across time, the survey will be repeated every 4 or 5 years. Informal care in this study is seen as a process.This means that we will both focus on determinants of giving and receiving (potential) informal care and on the actual practices and consequences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It has long been assumed, by economists and sociologists alike, that the dramatic rise in (mainly Western) divorce rates since the 1960s was a direct result of the equally dramatic rise in women's economic independence due to their increased labour market participation. One would expect that the overall negative financial consequences of relationship dissolution have fallen over time, with women becoming more self-supporting. However, it remains unclear whether this change over time can solely be attributed to women's economic independence and whether or not it has been the same for all women. This research has two goals. Firstly, since the expectations on the 'role' of men and women in the household have changed, the research intends to investigate how the division of not only paid labour, but also household labour influences divorce risks. A second aim is to examine factors that cause financial inequalities between women who experienced a relationship dissolution to arise or persist. Uncharted territory in this respect is the role of "anticipation". Women who expect an upcoming dissolution are hypothesized to take precautionary measures such as finding employment to deal with the negative financial consequences. Not accounting for this anticipation in research leads to biased conclusions because observing women a certain time (e.g. one year) after divorce does not necessarily mean that they have been coping with the divorce for the same amount of time.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Thielemans Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Lone motherhood is considered as an increasing social problem, not only because its increase but also since it leads to diverse and separated women having only a partial citizenship. There is little knowledge on the social relations and practices that contribute – or do not contribute – to protecting and socially including lone mothers, beginning from the crucial transition to lone parenthood: the judicial evaluation. Focusing on the transition from double parenthood to lone motherhood and, in particular, on the period of judicial evaluation for child custody and judicial decisions for children/family allowances and divorce/separation, this project aims to investigate some specific aspects of the sociocultural construction of an active gender citizenship by future lone mothers. The interest is in lone mothers' everyday strategies and social practices to claim inclusion and to negotiate (or not negotiate) the dominant definition of family and parenthood proposed by institutions and professionals, and the less legitimated and multiple situated definitions of lone parents and their families. Introducing the everyday dimension into the study of gender citizenship has the purpose of exploring the lone mothers' manifest and hidden 'work' of legitimation and of possible de-legitimation by institutions. Adopting the sociological approach of Institutional Ethnography (IE) as a method, this study will collect data in three EU countries (Belgium, Italy and Spain) and in the UK, with discursive interviews to lone mothers, professionals and gender issues activists, participant observations, and photo-voice. The action includes an extensive training in life course studies and gender studies, advanced qualitative methods and academic English language. This action will be hosted by the University of Antwerp, with a secondment phase at the University of Edinburgh and visits at the University of Granada and at the IEN-Institutional Ethnography Nordic Network.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Tartari Morena

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project entails the fieldwork of the Belgian Ethnic Minorities Election Study. The project will use the interviewer network of the Centre for Population, Family and Health. The fieldwork will be executed in the city of Antwerp in the period of October 2019 - February 2020.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project entails the fieldwork of the Belgian National Election Study. The project will use the interviewer network of the Centre for Population, Family and Health. The fieldwork will be executed in Flanders in the period of October 2019 - February 2020.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The sociological field of intergenerational solidarity studies the type and intensity of interactions between adult children and their parents. For upward informal caregiving (children looking after their parents), it has been acknowledged that care arrangements are shaped within families. Although it are individual children who care for their parents, the amount of care a child provides is generally the outcome of a collective family decision. Gender stands out as a determinant of the care a child provides. Caregiving is unfairly weighted against women, especially in male-dominated families. An important feature of informal caregiving is its fluidity. Caregiving in families can be renegotiated at any time, frequently because of changes in the lives of caregivers or shifting needs of the care receiver. This project examines the extent to which caregiving is subject to change, and how this relates to the gender composition of children and other aspects of the family context. Using a rich longitudinal panel, we pursue 4 aims: (1) to examine to what extent the gender composition of siblings affects the care use of parents, (2) to assess the association between gender composition and stability of the adult-child care network, (3) to study the stability and redistribution of the informal care burden and how this relates to siblings' gender composition, and 4) to investigate how the care network and distribution of sibling care vary when parents' care needs change.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Vergauwen Jorik

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Whether and how family of origin influences the steps someone takes later in life, is a fundamental question in the social sciences. Intergenerational influences have already been studied in life events like leaving the parental home, union formation, and union dissolution. But previous research has only focused on how children imitate the family formation of their parents (i.e. intergenerational inheritance). In this project, we shift the focus from intergenerational to intragenerational influences in families. The proposed project studies whether and how siblings influence each other's family life courses. We consider siblings as important social ties and draw from the life course perspective and social network theory to hypothesize how siblings influence each other's chances of leaving the parental home, forming a union, or dissolving their union. The project uses a sequential QUAN-qual mixed methods approach. For the QUAN-part, data from Belgian national registers are drawn from the Crossroads Bank for Social Security. This allows us to follow siblings through time and model their family dynamics with event history techniques. For the qual-part, data from indepth interviews will be obtained in order to gain further insights in the objective and subjective factors that influence sibling effects on these three life course transitions. The project contributes to the literature by investigating new directions through which family of origin influences family pathways.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Ageing is a key societal challenge. The goal of the ESFRI project SHARE is to build a distributed infrastructure to collect a data set that offers researchers and policy makers a state-of-the-art instrument to study in a detailed and multidisciplinary way the topic of ageing, and the challenges it poses. The SHARE data set is a unique ex-ante harmonised data set of cross-national, comparable microlevel panel data on health, living conditions, socioeconomic status, and social networks of more than 123,000 European individuals aged 50 and over, covering 28 countries. The data set has become a pivotal source for empirical academic research on ageing in Europe in many disciplines, such as economics, health studies, sociology, and demography. Moreover, the SHARE data set allows to address highly policy-relevant questions about ageing, and offers unique information with regard to pressing concerns such as early labour market exit, active ageing, and long-term care.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Decancq Koen
• Co-promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Goedemé Tim
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This survey aims to map the the satisfaction among members of the COV union. The survey is done with Qualtrics (web survey) among all registered members of the union. Next, the survey is analysed and a report is prepared for the management of COV. Together with the union, suggestions will be studied to improve the service towards members.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Brandweervereniging Vlaanderen (BVV) organizes a survey on the work experience of firefighters in Flanders. This is done in response to the request from the FOD Binnenlandse Zaken for information onthe motivation of voluntary firefighters. Based on the survey that was already conducted in the Netherlands (under the guidance of the Institute for Physical Safety), the BVV now conducts a similar survey in order to provide a realistic picture of the work experience of firefighters within the Flemish context, and to possibly allow comparative research between the Dutch and Flemish context. The UAntwerp was approached for the methodological side of this survey and to guarantee the scientific nature of (the interpretation of ) the results.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

It has long been assumed, by economists and sociologists alike, that the dramatic rise in (mainly Western) divorce rates since the 1960s was a direct result of the equally dramatic rise in women's economic independence due to their increased labour market participation. One would expect that the overall negative financial consequences of relationship dissolution have fallen over time, with women becoming more self-supporting. However, it remains unclear whether this change over time can solely be attributed to women's economic independence and whether or not it has been the same for all women. This research has two goals. Firstly, since the expectations on the 'role' of men and women in the household have changed, the research intends to investigate how the division of not only paid labour, but also household labour influences divorce risks. A second aim is to examine factors that cause financial inequalities between women who experienced a relationship dissolution to arise or persist. Uncharted territory in this respect is the role of "anticipation". Women who expect an upcoming dissolution are hypothesized to take precautionary measures such as finding employment to deal with the negative financial consequences. Not accounting for this anticipation in research leads to biased conclusions because observing women a certain time (e.g. one year) after divorce does not necessarily mean that they have been coping with the divorce for the same amount of time.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Thielemans Gert

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The generations approaching retirement age have witnessed a double shift in family behaviours: a breakdown of traditional patterns of family formation, and an even larger diversity of families among their adult children. This project measures the impact of these increasingly complex lifecourses on intergenerational solidarity within families and look at upward (personal care) and downward (childcare) solidarity and the intervening role of health.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Neels Karel
• Co-promoter: Wouters Edwin

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand ESFRI. UA provides ESFRI research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Decancq Koen
• Co-promoter: Goedemé Tim
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of the TAKE-project is to investigate non-take up (NTU) across Belgian public policy provisions. TAKE aims to make progress on three dimensions: how big is the problem, how can it be explained, and how should policy be (re)designed in order to maximize take-up? In addition, the project aims at examining the consequences of NTU in terms of budgetary impact and equity and at identifying the possible best practices in monitoring NTU by public administrations. For doing so, TAKE will adopt a multi-benefit approach. The focus of attention is on households with low incomes. TAKE will investigate how NTU in a variety of public goods and services affects their living standard, and how NTU can be reduced across public provisions. This project aims to jointly assess a wide variety of public provisions for citizens and companies: cash social assistance (both for the elderly and those at active age), cost compensatory benefits targeted at low income households (e.g. the 'Beneficiary of Increased Reimbursement'(BIR) in health insurance, reduced tariffs for utilities and mobility), social services (e.g. debt counselling, labour market counselling) and employer wage subsidies targeted at the low-skilled. Methodologically, the TAKE project makes use of a range of data sources and innovative research methods. First, we will collect new survey data which allow for a proper investigation into NTU in Belgium. We will carry out a survey, which is expressly tailored to the needs of making an integrated in-depth study of the size, characteristics, causes and consequences of NTU of policy measures targeted at vulnerable groups. A sample will be drawn from administrative data available to the Crossroads Bank on Social Security (CBSS). Second, for identifying NTU, one also needs a model which replicates the eligibility tests on the basis of the variables in the survey. The existing static tax-benefit microsimulation model MEFISTO will be extended and refined for doing so. MEFISTO has been developed in the framework of the IWT-SBO project 'FLEMOSI: a tool for ex ante evaluation of socio-economic policies in Flanders' (2010-2013) (see http://www.flemosi.be/easycms/MEFISTO). Third, TAKE will make use of a field experiment to test the effect of various triggers and encouragements on the uptake of the "Beneficiary of Increased Reimbursement" (BIR) statute within health insurance. Fourth, in order to study the institutional context, we will develop TAKE_ISSOC (working title), i.e. a structured and searchable database which contains the details of eligibility tests of the social benefits covered by the project and how they are implemented in practice. In addition, TAKE_ISSOC will cover measures that public administrations currently take to reduce NTU, and current monitoring practices and their outcomes with regard to NTU. The TAKE project will gather similar information on Sweden and the United Kingdom in order to identify and assess good practices. Fifth, TAKE will exploit existing administrative data collected by public agencies to investigate NTU of employment subsidies targeted at the low-skilled and other vulnerable groups in the period 2004-2013. Longitudinal administrative data from the National Social Security Office (NSSO) and from the National Employment Office (NEO) will be used for doing so. Six, to better understand the reasons for NTU of employment subsidies, the existing survey on administrative charges will be used. This survey measures the costs of administrative charges related to employment legislation incurred by employers in Belgium. TAKE will be able to gather valuable information on non-take up of wage subsidies by adding specific questions to this survey.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goedemé Tim
• Promoter: Van Mechelen Natascha
• Co-promoter: Goedemé Tim
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde
• Co-promoter: Vergauwen Jorik

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Processes leading to family formation and dissolution have been studied extensively in the sociology of the family. Time related elements like parental divorce or cohort and personal characteristics like educational level or values are repeatedly identified as influential components in family dynamics. Even though psychological research has shown that psychological variables play a role too, they have hardly been introduced in family sociological or demographical studies on family dynamics. This project identifies personality as a component in the explanation of family formation and dissolution. The project aims to innovate the field in several ways. First, personality – measured by the Big Five Inventory – is introduced as an explanatory component in our longitudinal models. Second, the multi-actor structure of the Divorce in Flanders data is used to look at the personality of both partners and the way in which their match as a couple influences family dynamics afterwards. Third, we study both initial and higher order relationships. Due to the high prevalence of divorce, newly constellated families are a new reality that ought to be studied separately. Family processes in higher order families are not the same and we also expect personality to have a different role in this new reality.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Spikic Sascha

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we look at the household structure in Belgium and we give an insight in the financial consequences when relationships end. The project uses a gender perspective since it is clear that women pay the financial price of a broken marriage or cohabitation. We do not limit our analysis to the statistical reality but we also give insights in the social construction of people themselves by looking at the way they experience the break-up and the detoriation of their financial situation after the break. This double perspective, combined with insights from the first part, will enable us to formulate some advice in the preparation of the new matrimonial property regime and the new inheritance law.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Swennen Frederik
• Co-promoter: Van Royen Paul

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand KULeuven. UA provides KULeuven research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objectives of this project are to investigate the diversity of family forms, relationships, and life courses in Europe; to assess the compatibility of existing policies with these changes; and to contribute to evidence-based policy-making. The project will extend our knowledge on how policies promote well-being, inclusion and sustainable societal development among families.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. The main objective is to investigate the media representation of young parenthood on Flemish television and its reception among socially vulnerable young people.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Paulussen Steve
• Co-promoter: Dhoest Alexander
• Co-promoter: Maeseele Pieter
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Neels Karel
• Co-promoter: Ponnet Koen
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Van den Bulck Hilde
• Co-promoter: Walrave Michel

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Media in Society Centre (AMSoC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other Thomas More. UA provides Thomas More research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Jongerenwelzijn Preventieregio Antwerpen. UA provides Jongerenwelzijn Preventieregio Antwerpen research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Cantillon Bea

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal service agreement between UA and on the other hand KdG. UA provides KdG research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the de Orde van Advocaten Antwerp. UA provides the de Orde van Advocaten Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. The objective is to analyse the duration for the treatment of second line legal assistance requests, to look into the decisive factors and to come forward with proposals and recommendations for improvement.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hubeau Bernard
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Government and Law

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Federal Public Service. UA provides the Federal Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main specific objective of the initiative is to provide scientific research Input and support for the equal opportunities policy development and implementation of the Flemish government by developing multidisciplinary expertise and research potential in the area of equal opportunities policy in Flanders in a more integrated way. Another specific objective is to create a documentation and information centre and a contact point which serves a wide circle of direct and indirect beneficiaries in the field of equal opportunities policy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meier Petra
• Co-promoter: Cuypers Daniël
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance
• Citizenship, Equality & Diversity (CED)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Policy Research Centre Work and Social Economics (2012-2015) is a broad consortium of different groups collaborating to inform the Flemish Government on Labour Market issues. The Antwerp team is involved in the Career reserach stream looking at careers in a dynamic way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: De Vos Ans

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Hercules Foundation. UA provides the Hercules Foundation research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Decancq Koen
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Jongerenwelzijn. UA provides Jongerenwelzijn research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This PhD project aims to address both aforementioned limitations by developing an extended multidimensional conceptualisation of child vulnerability. Subsequently, the concept will be measured empirically using confirmatory factor analysis. Recent data from 33 Sub-Saharan African countries will be used to accomplish this measurement model. Factors that affect vulnerability outcomes for children will be determined by developing a structural model. Both models allow to investigate child vulnerability while accounting for its multidimensionality and latent nature. Lastly, the construct will be tested on its stability over time.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Wouters Edwin
• Fellow: Masquillier Caroline

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Federal Public Service. UA provides the Federal Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Neels Karel
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

For a long time, older people's limitations were emphasized in the gerontological literature. From this point of view, learning, working and resting were portrayed as three strictly successive stages throughout the lifecourse (Kohli, 1986). During the nineties the issue of global ageing resulted in the dismantlement of this schematic conception of the lifecourse. The concept of 'active ageing' has intended to stimulate the ongoing participation of elderly in society (Jacobs, 2004). The literature shows that 'active ageing' comprises the continuous integration of several domains of life such as work, care, active leisure activities and contact with family and friends (Avramov and Maskova, 2003; Houben, Audenaert and Mortelmans, 2004; Rowe, Kahn, 1997). With this PhD project we aim at investigating the interplay between the various forms of activity.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Boudiny Kim

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Federal Public Service. UA provides the Federal Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project uses a typology from an OMA anlysis on German careers. The aim of the project is to gain insight in the determinants of these career trajectories.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Even though the activity rate of workers aged above 45- and 55 is low in most European member states, there is clearly a great diversity. Belgium is the last comer. The European target is to reach an activity rate of 50% among the workers aged 55 and over. With the current 30%, Belgium is lagging far behind. Based on international comparative anlayses, we will look in this project for factors influencing the labour market behaviour of older emplmoyees and unemployed persons. We will look thereby at factors that (a) slow down early retirement, (b) encourage re-entry, (c) promote succesfull mobility of older workers and (d) stimulate their participation at employability-enhancing activities. We distinguish thereby between three levels of influencing factors: (1) individual characteristics of older employees and unemployed (eg. earlier career trajectory); (2) household characteristics (eg. labour market position and income of the spouse, common financial position) and (3) stimuli of institutional actors to slow down early retirement , stimulate re-entry or enlarge employability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project performs a quantitative anlaysis on the validity and reliability of an evaluation instrument for students in higher education.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Most of the research on the influence of personality on political preferences is based upon small samples of students and is conducted in Western countries. The aim of this PhDproject is to examine this relationship by means of representative samples and in a larger scale of countries. Furthermore the cross-national differences in the psychological basis of political orientation will be explained in an interdisciplinary perspective.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Smits Tim

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Human bodily material, like blood, sperm, egg cells, organs and tissues, is very useful for therapeutic and research purposes. The goal of this project is to examine the legal and ethical statute of removed human bodily material, the pro's and con's of a commercialization of human bodily parts and to investigate the role of the state.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vansweevelt Thierry
• Co-promoter: Cras Patrick
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Personal Rights and Property Rights

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project addresses the question whether and to what extent a supplementary of imperative legal framework for informal relationships, can be justified. To adequately answer this question gaining insight into the subjective meanings and public functions fulfilled by the various private relationships is essential. Based on qualitative research methods, the research questions are examined using both sociological and legal paradigms in a multidisciplinary setting.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Swennen Frederik
• Co-promoter: Van Den Troost Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Universiteit van Tilburg. UA provides Universiteit van Tilburgresearch results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project was commissioned by the Artesis University of Antwerp and is part of a research project on intergenerational solidarity on behalf of the Agency Socio-Cultural Work for Youth and Adults.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In order to get a clear view on shared parenthood with its financial and organisational consequences, it is important to collect data on the percentage of former couples that chooses from the start for a shared coparenthood (independent of the percentage of co-parents in general). A quantitative picture of shared parenthood after divorce needs to gain access to divorce files in courts. In addition, an in depth analysis of these files give insights in the financial agreements parents make concerning shared custody. Second, this research aims at gaining insights in the evolution of shared parenthood for those parents who started to share custody in 2002. A survey will be prepared in order to look at the actual living arrangement, the financial agreement, the expenses for the children and the evolution of the career prospects of the parents. The 2002-sample will be enriched with a second sample from 2006 to control for the effect of the new law on shared co-parenthood.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we collect the Share-life data (Wave 3). More information at: http://www.share-project.org/

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

For a long time, older people's limitations were emphasized in the gerontological literature. From this point of view, learning, working and resting were portrayed as three strictly successive stages throughout the lifecourse (Kohli, 1986). During the nineties the issue of global ageing resulted in the dismantlement of this schematic conception of the lifecourse. The concept of 'active ageing' has intended to stimulate the ongoing participation of elderly in society (Jacobs, 2004). The literature shows that 'active ageing' comprises the continuous integration of several domains of life such as work, care, active leisure activities and contact with family and friends (Avramov and Maskova, 2003; Houben, Audenaert and Mortelmans, 2004; Rowe, Kahn, 1997). With this PhD project we aim at investigating the interplay between the various forms of activity.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Boudiny Kim

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: De Regt Sabrina

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this research is to get an insight in the career development of young academics. The research is done with a websurvey.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we collect the Share-life data (Wave 3). More information at: http://www.share-project.org/

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The objective of this project is to investigate how changing social contexts, from macro-societal to micro-interpersonal, affect social integration, weIl-being and intergenerational solidarity across different European nations. Debates on ageing societies predominantly focus on the circumstances of the old. Our approach builds fiom three key premises. First, ageing affects all age groups: the young, the middle-aged, and the old. Second, there are critical interdependencies between family generations and between men and women. Third, we must recognize and distinguish analytical levels: the individual, dyad (parent-child, partners), family, region, historical generation,and country. Building from these premises, we examine: (a) multiple linkages in families (e.g. transfers up and down family lineages, interdependencies between older and younger family members); (b) multiple linkages across time (measures at different points in time, at different points in the individual and family life course); (c) multiple linkages between, on the one hand, national and regional contexts (e.g. policy regimes, economie circumstances, normative climate, religiosity), and, on the other hand, individual behaviour, weIl-being and values. Throughout theproject we will test, develop, and use methodological strategies that enable sound poliey making. By identifying intergenerational care regimes (that is, combinations of child care provisions and provisions for the frail old) and their shortcomings, we willcontribute to the substantive understanding of the risks of becoming socially isolated and/or lacking necessary supports.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims at making an inventory of goods and services for both men and women with a gender-based price or access. The research consists of three consecutive phases. The first part will make an - as exhaustive as possible - inventory of goods and services with a difference in price and access. The second part searches for existing justifications for these differences. The third part searches for a juridical answer on the differences and the justifications given.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Cuypers Daniël

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Even though the activity rate of workers aged above 45- and 55 is low in most European member states, there is clearly a great diversity. Belgium is the last comer. The European target is to reach an activity rate of 50% among the workers aged 55 and over. With the current 30%, Belgium is lagging far behind. Based on international comparative anlayses, we will look in this project for factors influencing the labour market behaviour of older emplmoyees and unemployed persons. We will look thereby at factors that (a) slow down early retirement, (b) encourage re-entry, (c) promote succesfull mobility of older workers and (d) stimulate their participation at employability-enhancing activities. We distinguish thereby between three levels of influencing factors: (1) individual characteristics of older employees and unemployed (eg. earlier career trajectory); (2) household characteristics (eg. labour market position and income of the spouse, common financial position) and (3) stimuli of institutional actors to slow down early retirement , stimulate re-entry or enlarge employability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Even though the activity rate of workers aged above 45- and 55 is low in most European member states, there is clearly a great diversity. Belgium is the last comer. The European target is to reach an activity rate of 50% among the workers aged 55 and over. With the current 30%, Belgium is lagging far behind. Based on international comparative anlayses, we will look in this project for factors influencing the labour market behaviour of older emplmoyees and unemployed persons. We will look thereby at factors that (a) slow down early retirement, (b) encourage re-entry, (c) promote succesfull mobility of older workers and (d) stimulate their participation at employability-enhancing activities. We distinguish thereby between three levels of influencing factors: (1) individual characteristics of older employees and unemployed (eg. earlier career trajectory); (2) household characteristics (eg. labour market position and income of the spouse, common financial position) and (3) stimuli of institutional actors to slow down early retirement , stimulate re-entry or enlarge employability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Aims of the project: - To give a detailed comparison of the methods and designs of general prevalence studies in other European member states - To evaluate the strengths, limitations and necessary conditions and the cost of different options with the aim to perform a general prevalence study in Belgium - To perform a limited cognitive test of a pilot questoinnaire to the prevalence of drugs in Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of thisproject is to test and validate the Mortelmans-Spooren instrument for the student evaluation of courses in hogher education in the Hogeschool Mechelen.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Divorce-in-Flanders project SiV aims to: ameliorate the well being of those directly or indirectly involved in divorce ameliorate the quality of services for those directly or indirectly involved in divorce supporting policy makers vis-a-vis the policy of divorce and persons directly or indirectly involved in divorce To realise these aims, the SIV-project: will: 1. build a longitudinal database with data on relation formation and dissolution - based on a sample of Flemish respondents (from 1971 onwards), representative for a population of married and ever-divorced persons. - using a multi-actor perspective whereby not only the (ex-)partners are involved in the survey but also their children and their parents - whereby information is collected on causes, process and consequences of relation dissolution - whereby the questionnaire is inspired by a multidiciplinary theoretical framework of sociological, demograpical, social-psychological, social-epidemiological, economical and juridical paradigms 2. enhance the knowledge on the divorce topic among different societal actors by means of policy preparing and evaluating research - by distributing on a free basis all the data to university centres and other scientific institutes - by pro-actively distributing the results of the project 3. contribute to an effective and curative policy of well-being to mediate the different problems with which the engaged parties are confronted - by means of drawing attention to this policy relevant theme - using a far-reaching and pro-active data valorisation strategy

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project builds on a survey research from 2006 commisioned by the Minister of Pensions and the Federal Service of Social Policy. The focus of that project lies at the needs and wants of widow(er)s. A second aim was to look at the strategies of the surviving partner. Who choses a survivors pension - whether or not combined with labour - and who choose to renounce the survivors pension in favour of a labour career ? In this project, we use these survey data in combination with administrative data from the Datawarehouse Social Security to look more closely to the situation of the widows and widowers with the highest risk on poverty. First, we look at the differences between the different widows and widowers in terms of poverty risks. We look at the degree to which socio-demographic, relational caracteristics, household composition and income and spending patterns are of influence. Next, we will see whether or not the poverty risk plays an influence on the subjective well-being of the persons. Second, we look for explanatory factors that can explain the risk of becoming poor as a widow or widower.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Study Centre Work and Social Economy (WSE) is recognized by the Flemish Government as a policy preparating and supporting study centre. The Study Centre Work and Social Economy (WSE) is a knowledge centre building and disseminating expertise on topics of work, labour market and social economy. It aims at clustering knowledge on these topics and enlarging the existing knowledge with own research projects. The Study Centre Work and Social Economy (WSE) tries to use secondary databses where possilbe, playing a major role in unlocking sub-optimal used databases for labour market research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main specific objective of the initiative is to provide scientific research Input and support for the equal opportunities policy development and implementation of the Flemish government by developing multidisciplinary expertise and research potential in the area of equal opportunities policy in Flanders in a more integrated way. Another specific objective is to create a documentation and information centre and a contact point which serves a wide circle of direct and indirect beneficiaries in the field of equal opportunities policy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meier Petra
• Promoter: Van Steenberge Josse
• Co-promoter: Breda Jef
• Co-promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Cuypers Daniël
• Co-promoter: Jacobs Therese
• Co-promoter: Meier Petra
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Nonneman Walter

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance
• Citizenship, Equality & Diversity (CED)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Steenberge Josse
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main aims of this project are (1) to identify the most important assumptions about careers in the scientific literature and to identify the labour market policy on careers, (2) test the accuracy of these assumptions with existing empirical research and additional analyses on secondary data and (3) formulate a proposal to overcome weaknesses in the existing research in a survey design for career research in Flanders. The research will also aid in formulating advice on the ways in which existing and future policy measures could have the appropriate impact.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project has three main aims: 1) In a first phase, an inventory is made of all available statistical material to document Flemish career patterns as clearly as possible. Gender differences in career trajectories will be a major focus thereby. 2) A working group will be formed with representatives of the labour market and policy makers. The recommendations and conclusions of this working group will lead to the formulation of policy recommendations to change certain gender-stereotyped career patterns. 3) The project will also formulate recommendations to ameliorate the statistical registration of career data (administrative data sources and surveys).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project aims to gain more insight in student perceptions and evaluation of course and teacher performance, and to examine the consequences of this with regard to the validity and usefulness of student evaluation of teaching quality. For this purpose, cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses on evaluation forms are conducted as well as an analysis of discourse based on content analysis of policy documents, focus groups and face-to-face interviews.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The death of a spouse not only causes emotional stress. The decease also implicates financial consequences on the outliving partner and his family. Therefore, the surviving partner is entitled to a survivors pension. In the scope of an active welfare regime, it is crucial to look at the implications of the loss of a partner on the labour participation of the widow(er). This project focuses on the effects of cumulating a survivors pension with labour using a mail survey. With this survey, two reserach questions will be answered: 1. Which of the surviving partners chooses to accept a survivors pension and who prefers not to ? What reasons can be found for either one of the options ? 2. Of those surviving partners who do take up a survivors pension, who cumulates this with labour ? What difficulties can be observed in this group with respect to this cumulation ?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The States General of the Family was organised twice aiming at a broad discussion on families and family policy. This research project will deliver a book at the end of the second sycle of the States General. The aim of the book is to present an overview of the social debate on families and familiy policy. The main conclusions of the States General will be confronted with the standpoints of the civil society and with academic views on family policy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In a diverse continent like Europe, much can be learned from cross-national research using surveys among households and individuals. Often, however, such comparisons suffer from differences across countries and socio-economic groups in the way people answer survey questions, particularly self-evaluations of, e.g., health or quality of work. This proposal aims at solving this problem by developing widely applicable tools for comparative survey research among European citizens, so-called ancoring vignettes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project focuses on the role of the written press in the communication process on science. More specific, the role of science as a topic in Flemish newspapers and magazines is looked at together with the way in which the Belgian and the international scientific enterprise is portrayed. This analysis is supplemented with a description of the editorial policy on scientific communication and the role of the scientific journalist.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project accompanies the data collection of the Belgian GGS-project. The Generations and Gender Survey aims at a longitudinal analysis of processes of family formation, divorce, fertility and retirement. The main focus lies on the initiating factors steering these developments. Other themes like family care, personal health care and emancipation are also touched in the questionnaire. The GGP-project tries to explain the recent trends in partner relations on the one hand and intergenerational relations on the other (child-parent, parent-child, fertility, care relations between generations).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project focuses on the financial consequences of a relational break-up. Using a large sample form the Crossroads Bank of Social Security, the magnitude of the financial consequences of divorce and cohabitation break-ups in Belgium is estimated. The analysis will imply comparisons for the gender of the ex-partners, the presence of children, the residence of the formal partners, the length of the relation and its character (being a marriage of a cohabitation).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main research question of this doctoral project is the use of consumption as a tool for the construction and communication of identity among teenagers. In the contemporary postmodern society, the identity of people has to be constructed by the individuals themselves. Moreover, this identity has to be communicated to others effectively. Consumption plays a central role in both processes. Objects are often seen as extentions of the self. The construction of ones identity does not take place in a social vacuum. Consumption is also used as a communication tool of identity (Cf. Veblen). In these domains, not only the choices young people make will be focussed on, but also the reasons behind these choices will be scrutinized. In this aspect, the influence of the peergroup is supposed to be crucial. One often buys objects to identify with certain groups or to dissociate from others. Socio-demographic and economic background, value-pattern, leisure time activities and media-use are also put forward as possible exploratory factors. The approach of this research is mainly quantitative. Our aim is to formulate answers to the different research questions, using a large-scale survey among 12- tot 18-year olds in Flanders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Van Gorp Jeremi

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project looks at possibilities to introduce a Family Impact Monitor for new Flemish policy decision.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In October 2005, the University of Antwerp, at the request of viwTA and the Commission for Culture, Youth, Sport and the Media of the Flemish Parliament, conducted a large-scale survey into cyberbullying among youngsters in Flanders. In order to establish a clear picture of the phenomenon, the study tried to gain insight into ICT use by youngsters and their experiences with traditional forms of bullying as well as cyberbullying. A total of 636 primary school children and 1416 pupils from secondary education completed a questionnaire on their use of the Internet and mobile phones and their personal experiences with traditional and cyberbullying. The full text of the research report is available at the website of viWTA: www.viwta.be

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Walrave Michel

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project covers the scientific support of the second States general of the Family. The support consists of (1) participation in the scientific committee of the States General and (2) the preparation, methodological follow-up and analysis of a general Family Survey.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The most important societal issues with which Flanders and Europe will be confronted in coming decades is the twofold ageing of the population. The three principal policy issues that arise in this context are: i) the manner in which the burden of population ageing should/can be distributed between and within generations; ii) the development of high-quality and affordable care support for all; iii) and the enhancement of participation by the elderly in economic, social, political and cultural life in order that the capital of experience, knowledge and skills that the elderly represent could be utilised maximally. As far as the Flemish policy level is concerned, all aspects of these problematic areas are relevant: policy on formal and informal care for the elderly, including the Flemish care insurance scheme, employment policy, tax policy, housing policy, sociocultural and educational policy and, as a context for all policy domains, the structure of income and expenditure distribution and particularly the position occupied by the weaker groups (who may be targets of specific provisions). Some important research has already been conducted into the socio-economic aspects of population ageing in Flanders, but often this research is insufficiently prospective and informative for policy purposes. Moreover, usually a European angle is lacking, even though Flemish policy can obviously draw lessons from developments in other European countries. We therefore propose to construct an interdisciplinary knowledge platform with a view to: -bringing together available expertise in Flanders in the field of policy-oriented research into the issue of population ageing; -collecting high-quality data for Flanders that allow comparison with other regions and countries in Europe; -developing research instruments and methods to analyse these data in dynamic perspective and to test policy alternatives for their economic and social efficiency.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Following the suite of the late modern society in general, the sector of youth volunteer work undergoes major transformations. The ideal type of the traditional volunteer is in decline, being influenced by the dynamics pertaining to the emerging "new volunteer" type. The latter term is no rare find both in the scientific literature and in the field, indicating a whole new set of motivations, values and expectations. The intention of this research is to explore the theoretical as well as empirical underpinnings of the phenomenon of the "new volunteer". What moves these individuals, what constitutes their hopes and which problems they experience on the way of their realization ¿ these questions are central to the research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Today's youth is overwhelmed with information about numerous issues. One could say there is an information overload. This complicates decision-making for youngsters since not all information is objective, clear, nor adjusted to the information needs of young people. Furthermore, the information is not always accessible for the target group that is aimed at. It is obvious that young people need more specialized information in order to have an overview of their possibilities and opportunities which enable them to make the right decisions. Thus, efficient information is a first requirement for young people to find their way in our society. This research aims to develop a coherent youth information policy. On the basis of the description of the research domain, we will examine organizations which fulfill an explicit role with regard to youth information. In addition, we look at the the policy domains in which information initiatives have been established. With the help of in-depth interviews, there will be a study of the extent to which the information is within reach of the target group and how the target group is involved in the development of the information. On the basis of the research results, recommendations will be made about the current information amount. Furthermore, suggestions will be formulated to enhance the participation of juveniles in the development of information aimed at young people.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Vandebosch Heidi
• Co-promoter: Walrave Michel

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research aims to test the anchoring vignettes method used in the WHO study of Global Ageing and Adulth Health. The vignettes method is used to improve the cross-national comparability of data/results from SHARE. The objective is to provide additional training for fieldworkers and researchers on data capture related to the vignettes methodology. A second objective is to interview at least 500 randomly selected respondents (aged +50) using the set of self-reported health state questions, anchoring vignettes and performance test as used by the WHO.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) is an ambitious project which collects data about Europeans aged 50 and older in order to shed light on one of the most dramatic challenges in the years to come - population ageing. The project is cross-national and interdisciplinary, which introduces considerable complexity and necessitates scientific and managerial innovations. SHARE is designed to foster better understanding of the complex interactions among economic, health, psychological and social factors that determine the quality of life of the elderly. The present project involves collecting SHARE data for Flanders, a region of Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Breda Jef
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Working independently from time and space using ICT, also called telework or e-work, will be analysed theoretically and empirically in this project. The range of potentialities and limits of telework, the success factors and pitfalls of e-work experienced by teleworkers and their employers will be explored. This study will focus in particular on the influence of telework on organisational communication, management and coaching and on the influence on the balance between work and private life.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Walrave Michel
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Media, ICT and interpersonal relations in Organisations and Society (MIOS)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of this study is to gain insight into the weekly activities and the role of leaders in the Flemish boy scout movement. The umbrella organization of scouting (VVKSM), offers a bulk of literature to spread their educational ideas amongst the leaders. After a period of modernization, they want to field-test the publications. Do the leaders read the books and brochures? Do they use the information to organize the activities? The results of this quantitative research are primarily intended to support the policy of VVKSM, but can also be of interest to a broader audience.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project primarily focuses on this economic regression after a separation. It is not only one of the major factors in personal well-being but it is also of general interest to cast light on the protective and risk factors. In this context, we point towards the increased poverty risk for ex-partners and to the more persistent form of poverty for single-parent families compared to single-earner families. An additional motivation for a focus on the economic consequences are the potential psychological and social implications. Several authors have referred to the relationship between economic decline and other factors, such as higher depression levels, a decrease in housing quality and an increase in working hours. Representing an overall picture of one's economic position includes charting the working, housing, income and health situation, as well as the socio-economic status. The aim of the research is to obtain a comprehensive insight into welfare and well-being, rather than merely into the financial position after a divorce. Special attention will be given to the welfare evolution of women after divorce (marital or cohabitational). As shown in the literature, women are both socially, psychologically and economically more vulnerable than men.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main research question of this doctoral project is the use of consumption as a tool for the construction and communication of identity among teenagers. In the contemporary postmodern society, the identity of people has to be constructed by the individuals themselves. Moreover, this identity has to be communicated to others effectively. Consumption plays a central role in both processes. Objects are often seen as extentions of the self. The construction of ones identity does not take place in a social vacuum. Consumption is also used as a communication tool of identity (Cf. Veblen). In these domains, not only the choices young people make will be focussed on, but also the reasons behind these choices will be scrutinized. In this aspect, the influence of the peergroup is supposed to be crucial. One often buys objects to identify with certain groups or to dissociate from others. Socio-demographic and economic background, value-pattern, leisure time activities and media-use are also put forward as possible exploratory factors. The approach of this research is mainly quantitative. Our aim is to formulate answers to the different research questions, using a large-scale survey among 12- tot 18-year olds in Flanders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Van Gorp Jeremi

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In preparation of the Care Congress of December 2003, the CBGS carried out a large postal survey on Formal and Informal Care in Flanders. This project analyses the data from this survey and reports the results to the CBGS.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project consists of descriptive, quantitative research on the living conditions of children in Flanders in 2002 and must be considered a logical continuation of similar studies from the Panel on Belgian Household Studies for Kind en Gezin. A many-sided and complete image implies that the child cannot be seen as separate from the family he or she lives in. Therefore, the project will perform a series of analyses, revealing information on both the child and its family. General demographic information on the children and the parents, the working situation of the parents, the financial situation of the household, the living situation of the children, their everyday living environment, as well as their parents' are being looked upon.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

For the SHARE project (Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe), a pilot survey is carried out. The pilot comprises 30 face-to-face interviews with CAPI-technology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project consists of descriptive, quantitative research on the living conditions of children in Flanders in 2001 and must be considered a logical continuation of similar studies from the Panel on Belgian Household Studies for Kind en Gezin. A many-sided and complete image implies that the child cannot be seen as separate from the family he or she lives in. Therefore, the project will perform a series of analyses, revealing information on both the child and its family. General demographic information on the children and the parents, the working situation of the parents, the financial situation of the household, the living situation of the children, their everyday living environment, as well as their parents' are being looked upon.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project lies in the identification of the contemporary career transitions and the determining factors of those transitions. In contrast with the traditional straightforward career, the new career is characterised by the sequence of job opportunities in several organisations and the connection with other domains in life. The thorough knowledge of the restrictive and facilitating elements of a career is important for both scientists and policymakers. This project consists of two phases. In the first phase nine waves of PSBH-data (1992-2000) will be analysed from the viewpoint of the sociology of labour. This will result in a general overview of the career transitions of the respondents. The second phase is made up of two components. The determining factors of the professional career on the business and the socio-juridical level are being examined. This process will result in the rethinking of the societal and juridical concept of a career.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Rigaux Marc
• Co-promoter: Van Regenmortel Anne

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In 2002, the pilot survey of the Belgian SILC survey was carried out. This pilot not only tested the SILC-questionnaire. One of the additional goals was to compare income variables based on yearly income questions with those based on the monthly income. This project compares both methods and formulates a methodological advice for the NIS concerning the preferred method of collecting income data in the SILC-project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Goossens Luc
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Pelleriaux Koen

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Belgian Federal government decided to organise a last census in 2001 (the Social Economic Survey). This project looks at the possibilities to update the 2001 census data on level of education with data from the Flemish government.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pelleriaux Koen
• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Goossens Luc
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to prepare the 'Population Policy Acceptance Survey'. The project includes the preparation of questionnaire, the data collection and the data input of the survey.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project combines viewpoints from both sociology and media studies. The main research question is how youngsters form their identity through media use and consumption. In the contemporary postmodern society, the identity of people is not predefined, but a construction by social agents. In these two domains, not only the choices young people make will addressed, but also on the reasons for these choices. After all, the profound values are expressed in the decisions people take in their daily life. In this establishing of identity the giving of meaning is a central process. One buys objects and uses certain media to identify with certain groups or to dissociate from others; and so give oneself an identity. Special attention will be paid to the relation between media-use and consumption of youth on the one hand, and other factors, like their peergroup and their carried pattern of values on the other hand.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Fellow: Van Gorp Jeremi

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this study we will make an analysis of the campaign `Culture and Society', an analysis of the opinion of the Fleming on how culture will look like in 2020, as part of the project `Kleurrijk Vlaanderen'. Different kind of data lay the foundation of the analysis. First of all there is a survey made up of four themes, which everybody can fill in. Secondly there is a discussion group on the Internet en thirdly there will be held a debate during the `Knack Zomerwandeldagen'. All this information will be brought together and a general opinion of the average Fleming will be derived. All of this will be put together in a document which is oriented towards the cultural policy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project develops the questionnaire of the pilot survey of the SILC-project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The second phase of the study of the life patterns of the Flemish elderly contains a preparation of a research on elderly in public services. This preparation includes following tasks: making contact with organisations of the elderly concerning the stimulation of associations of the elderly to participate in the study, recruitment of possible interviewers and the coordination of this recruitment, selection of the candidates, a quality control involving training of the interviewers and the administration and the follow up of the fieldwork. All these elements will lead to a technical report that gives a description of the development of the fieldwork.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project consists of descriptive, quantitative research on the living conditions of children in Flanders in 2000 and must be considered a logical continuation of similar studies from the Panel on Belgian Household Studies for Kind en Gezin. A many-sided and complete image implies that the child cannot be seen as separate from the family he or she lives in. Therefore, the project will perform a series of analyses, revealing information on both the child and its family. General demographic information on the children and the parents, the working situation of the parents, the financial situation of the household, the living situation of the children, their everyday living environment, as well as their parents' are being looked upon.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In Antwerp, the municipal youth department plays a central role in the youth work. If this public service wants to gain better access to his public, the Antwerp youth, it needs to work proceeding from an univocal vision on communication policy. Only such a vision can make the communication more efficient and effective. An internal investigation showed us that such a vision is not well defined. A detailed study of literature and a large-scale survey of the Antwerp youth will help to complete this vision. This is a necessary condition to realise an inclusive and integral youth policy. The main purpose of the study of literature is to gain an insight into the communication behaviour of young people. How do they communicate? How do they get informed? Furthermore, we will investigate the leisure supply of the youth department. Which services do they provide? Which media channels do they use 'to sell' their services? The survey will question five thousand young people from the Antwerp district about their communication habits, media use and their need for information/participation going from the municipal government.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Construction and valorisation of a data-gathering instrument, a demographic and social economic panel of 4.300 households representing the Belgian population. Building a demographic and social economic database on household topics. In 1999 and 2001 we plan two additonal annual inquiries.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A feasibility study for a data production and dissemination exercise: developing and enhancing a comparative database for longitudinal household studies by harmonizing and integrating micro datasets from a large variety of independent national panels and from the European Community Household Panel.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project aims at collecting the Flemish data of the European Household Panel.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project consists of descriptive, quantitative research on the living conditions of children in Flanders in 1999 and must be considered a logical continuation of similar studies from the Panel on Belgian Household Studies for Kind en Gezin. A many-sided and complete image implies that the child cannot be seen as separate from the family he or she lives in. Therefore, the project will perform a series of analyses, revealing information on both the child and its family. General demographic information on the children and the parents, the working situation of the parents, the financial situation of the household, the living situation of the children, their everyday living environment, as well as their parents' are being looked upon.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The study consists of two parts. The first part will be a literature study in order to get an idea of the time use of the elderly. In this part, results of other studies will be discussed. The second part of the project is an analysis, based on the results of a time use diary, filled in by a sample of Flemish people older than 55. First of all, the project wants to describe in broad outline the activities done by the respondents in a one week time interval. Secondly, patterns of activities will be searched. Thirdly, these patterns will be related to demographic, social economic and other variables, to come to an overview of different types of Flemish elderly and to come to noticeable elements that need further research. In the end, a comparison will be made between previous studies in order to find patterns and evolutions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project concentrates on the leisure time patterns and the use of leisure time infrastructure among kids in the city of Antwerp, Belgium. 4550 youngster from secondary school filled in a closed questionnaire. How do youngster from secondary school pass their leisure time and in what way do they use the current supply of official leisure time activities, are the two central research questions. In addition, the project looks at factors influencing the leisure time. Thirdly, inequality in the leisure time and its consequences is integrated in the project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to set up a communication plan in order to make the communication from NIRAS towards (clusters within) the Belgian population more effective and more efficient. The principal target of the study is the production of an overview of the different target groups of NIRAS, their main characteristics and their expectations towards NIRAS. Finally, this has to result in an external communication plan for strategic communication at NIRAS. The research can be divided into three phases. First, the image of the nuclear sector in general, and the image of NIRAS and of nuclear waste in particular, as it appears in the media, will be examined. Besides this, the different contexts in which the nuclear sector, nuclear waste or NIRAS appear will be investigated. Finally, we take a look to the different actors within the reports and we check their image of NIRAS and of nuclear waste. From this analysis, basic information will be extracted for the next stage of the research. In the second phase, clusters within the total Belgian population will be identified. By means of in-depth interviews, the clusters that can considered as target groups for the external communication of NIRAS are selected. To create the original clusters, a literature review will be carried out together with the use of existing research results and the results of the media-analysis (phase 1). The interviews include two aspects: an opinion research and an instrumental research. The third phase contains an quantitative study to found the results from the preceding phases. By means of these results, we will outline a corporate communication policy for NIRAS with an implementation plan for their corporate communication in the short and middle term.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project consists of a survey held amongst the inhabitants of the five so called `nuclear areas' in Belgium, who were subject to the March 1999 `National Iodine Campaign'. In 1999, all inhabitants of these five areas were encouraged to collect a package of iodine tablets at their local chemist's. This survey aims at gathering information on how this particular campaign was received by the public concerned and on these stakeholders' perception regarding the subject of `nuclear safety' in general.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of the survey is to probe the needs of parents concerning extracurricular day care in Antwerp, more specifically for children between 3 and 12 years old. For this purpose, we execute a large-scale survey in a representative sample of the Antwerp households. By means of a written questionnaire, we try to detect to what extent the Antwerp households use the existing facilities and the degree of satisfaction on this matter. We also probe the quantitative and qualitative needs concerning day care.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

During the preparatory study, that has last about five months, a research outline was prepared in order to set up a communication plan. The aim of the plan is to make the communicative strategy of NIRAS more effective and efficient. The principal target of the study is giving an overview of the different target groups of NIRAS, their main characteristics and their expectations towards NIRAS. The preparatory work resulted in a three-phased research design being carried out in 2000 and 2001.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Beginning in the 1980's, an increased interest from sociology in consumption and consumer culture emerged. Many authors consider material culture as the heart of contemporary society. The individual in this society is looked upon as an active consumer moving around on different markets where he examines, tests, imitates, combines or changes the available consumption signs. The consumer uses a bricolage strategy to construct his identity. Up to now, sociologists devoted little attention to the selection and purchase of goods. This postdoctoral project concentrates on shopping behavior: how do people shop and how does the purchase of goods relates to the personal construction of lifestyles and to consumer culture at large ? In other words: who buys what, where, when, with whom and for what purpose ? The aim of the project is to develop new insights in and theoretical perspectives on the consumer process.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hove Erik
• Fellow: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The design of the study is treefold. First the concept of luxury goods will be analysed in an historical perspective. Second the function of luxury will be considered in relation to the process of social stratification. Finally the political and economic aspects of the consuming of luxury goods are treated.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hove Erik
• Fellow: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The design of the study is treefold. First the concept of luxury goods will be analysed in an historical perspective. Second the function of luxury will be considered in relation to the process of social stratification. Finally the political and economic aspects of the consuming of luxury goods are treated.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hove Erik
• Fellow: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project