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Medicalisation of Unemployment: An Analysis of Sick Leave for the Unemployed in Germany Using a Three-Level Model

Author

Listed:
  • Philipp Linden

    (Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Germany
    University of Siegen, Germany)

  • Nadine Reibling

    (Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Germany
    University of Siegen, Germany)

Abstract

The study investigates whether sick leave for the unemployed is used to address problems of labour market integration – a process that can theoretically be conceptualised as the medicalisation of unemployment. Estimating a multilevel logistic regression model on a sample of N = 20,196 individuals from the German panel study Labour Market and Social Security (PASS) reveals that, on average, 18% of the unemployed are on sick leave due to poor health. However, given a comparable state of health, the probability increases for men, older individuals and those with lower educational levels. These findings are crucial as they reveal a dual role of sick leave in a context with limited access to disability pensions: as a protective measure for sick, unemployed individuals and as medicalisation of unemployment by excluding those who face non-medical barriers to labour market integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Linden & Nadine Reibling, 2025. "Medicalisation of Unemployment: An Analysis of Sick Leave for the Unemployed in Germany Using a Three-Level Model," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 39(1), pages 139-162, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:39:y:2025:i:1:p:139-162
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170241244688
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