prof. dr. Paul de Beer

About Paul de Beer

Paul de Beer is a renowned expert in the field of work and income. He is an emeritus professor of labor relations at the University of Amsterdam and affiliated with the research institute AIAS-HSI, which specializes in research in the field of labor. He is also an independent researcher and a member of the Advisory Council on Migration and the Advisory Board of UWV Werkbedrijf.

The labor market often operates slightly differently than we think. By digging deeper than usual, you can arrive at surprising new insights.

Paul has written numerous books and hundreds of articles on topics such as the labor market, labor relations (the ‘polder model’), social inequality, solidarity, the welfare state, the value of work, and migration. His most recent books are ‘The Myth of the Labor Market’ (also published in English as ‘The Labour Market Myth’) and ‘Poldering and Struggling’. He is currently writing a book that unravels facts and fiction about generational differences. His specialty is debunking myths by digging slightly deeper than conventional analyses.

In his research, he covers the broad field of work and income. He has conducted research on labor market policy, the value of work, workers with disabilities, freelancers, income inequality, solidarity, labor migration, and the welfare state. He regularly advises the government, trade unions, employers’ organizations, municipalities, and implementing organizations. He is also frequently interviewed by radio, newspapers, and other media.

Paul studied econometrics at Erasmus University Rotterdam and earned his PhD as an economist at the University of Amsterdam. He previously worked at the Social and Cultural Planning Office and the Scientific Council for Government Policy. From 2011 to 2024, he was also the director of the Scientific Bureau for the Trade Union Movement De Burcht, an independent research bureau that conducts research on strategic issues important to the trade union movement.