Jakob Beuschlein studies the impact of personal insolvency programs
In his doctoral thesis, Jakob Beuschlein investigates how personal insolvency programs may discourage debtors from working. His thesis defense is on 10 June 2025 at Stockholm University.
Jakob Beuschlein is a PhD candidate at the Department of Economics, Stockholm University. Photo: Johanna Säll
What is the focus of your thesis?
”My thesis consists of three independent papers. The first examines how personal insolvency programs may discourage debtors from working. The other two chapters explore the role of firms and employer labor market power in shaping labor market outcomes. One investigates why corporate acquisitions tend to suppress employee earnings; the other analyzes how firms contribute to involuntary part-time employment.”
Why are your findings important for society?
”The first chapter, on personal insolvency programs, is particularly policy-relevant. I show that these programs impose implicit, substantial taxes on debtor earnings. These taxes discourage debtors from working. I show that reducing them could improve outcomes for both debtors and creditors, while also lowering government spending on social welfare. The other two chapters are somewhat less applied, but I hope our findings can inform policies on antitrust and working-hours regulations.”
When your defense is over, what comes next?
”I will continue my research and take up a postdoctoral position at the ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin.”
About the thesis and defense
Jakob Beuschlein is a PhD candidate at the Department of Economics, Stockholm University. His doctoral thesis in economics is titled Essays on Personal Debt Relief and Firms in the Labor Market.
The defense is public and takes place on Tuesday 10 June, at 10.00 in hörsal 12, Hus F, Universitetsvägen 10 F, Stockholm University.
