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Occupational Titles and Retirement in Historical Censuses: Sweden 1880-1910

Author

Listed:
  • Karlsson, Tobias

    (Department of Economic History, Lund University)

  • Castenbrandt, Helene

    (Department of Economic History, Lund University)

  • Quaranta, Luciana

    (Department of Economic History, Lund University)

Abstract

This article explores the potential of full-count historical census microdata to enhance our understanding of occupational activity and retirement among older men and women in Sweden between 1880 and 1910 – a period preceding the introduction of a universal pension system. Drawing on the SwedPop infrastructure, we examine how occupational information was recorded, coded, and interpreted in the Swedish censuses, with particular attention to the classification of retired individuals. We assess the applicability of the Historical International Classification of Occupations (HISCO) for identifying retirement status and demonstrate that a mechanical application of HISCO in the Swedish case fails to capture a significant group of retired individuals, especially former farmers with retirement contracts. By systematically analysing the original occupational text strings, we propose a revised coding scheme that better reflects retirement patterns. Our findings reveal a hump-shaped trajectory of occupational activity among older men, with a peak around 1900, and consistently low but non-negligible participation among older women. The study highlights the importance of contextual interpretation of historical sources and offers methodological insights for future research on ageing, work, and retirement using historical population data.

Suggested Citation

  • Karlsson, Tobias & Castenbrandt, Helene & Quaranta, Luciana, 2026. "Occupational Titles and Retirement in Historical Censuses: Sweden 1880-1910," Lund Papers in Economic History 268, Lund University, Department of Economic History.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:luekhi:0268
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ransom, Roger L. & Sutch, Richard, 1986. "The Labor of Older Americans: Retirement of Men On and Off the Job, 1870–1937," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 46(1), pages 1-30, March.
    2. Carter, Susan B. & Sutch, Richard, 1996. "Myth of the Industrial Scrap Heap: A Revisionist View of Turn-of-the-Century American Retirement," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 56(1), pages 5-38, March.
    3. Catherine A. Fitch & Diana L. Magnuson, 2025. "Historical methods special issue introduction," Historical Methods: A Journal of Quantitative and Interdisciplinary History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(4), pages 195-198, October.
    4. Dora L. Costa, 1998. "The Evolution of Retirement: An American Economic History, 1880-1990," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number cost98-1.
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    JEL classification:

    • C82 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Macroeconomic Data; Data Access
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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