My research covers topics related to the study of social and economic inequalities among different population groups and how politics and policies shape these inequalities in Finland, Europe and more globally. My current research interests include
- Employment policies and inequalities in the labour market
- Gender and family policies and families’ well-being
- Politics of care and care work
- Social benefits and services
- Societal impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
Education
- 2022, Title of a Docent (Adjunct Professor) in Social and Public Policy, University of Helsinki
- 2018, Doctor of Social Sciences (Social Policy), University of Turku
- 2008, Master in Social Sciences (Social Policy), University of Turku
- 2001, Reifeprüfung, Deutsche Schule Helsinki
Professional background
- Research Manager, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 2023-
- Senior Researcher, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 2018-2022
- PhD researcher, 2016-2017, Department of Social Research, University of Turku
- 2015, Visiting scholar, Department of Feminist Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
- 2009-2015, Doctoral Candidate and University teaching positions, Department of Social Research, University of Turku
Language skills
- Finnish (native)
- Swedish (good)
- English (fluent)
- German (fluent)
- Spanish (fluent)
- French (basics)
Other interests
- Nature and hiking
- Gardening
- Yoga
Merita Mesiäislehto, PhD 