Research

Below is a selection of my research. Other papers and articles I have (co-)authored can be found on my Google Scholar profile.

Journal Articles

Balancing Timeliness, Efficiency and Effectiveness: An Assessment of Targeted Social Policies in Challenging Times

Published in Social Policy & Administration, 2026

In this paper, we examine the timeliness and effectiveness of targeted income support measures in Belgium during COVID-19.

Recommended citation: Wizan, M., and S. Marchal. (2026). "Balancing Timeliness, Efficiency and Effectiveness: An Assessment of Targeted Social Policies in Challenging Times." Social Policy & Administration, 60, no. 1: 193–207. https://doi.org/10.1111/spol.13156.

Working Papers

The Shift from Persistent Inequality to Earnings Instability in Belgium

Working paper, IZA Discussion Papers Series, 2025

Using rich longitudinal administative data, we decompose cross-sectional inequality trends in Belgium into its permanent and transitory components, and examine heterogeneity in earnings dynamics across gender and education levels.

Recommended citation: Wizan, M., Sologon, D.M. and Marchal, S. (2025). "The Shift from Persistent Inequality to Earnings Instability in Belgium." IZA Discussion Paper, No. 18132. Available at SSRN: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5501514.

PhD Dissertation

Socio-demographic patterns of instability: Essays on earnings and income volatility in Belgium

PhD dissertation, University of Antwerp, 2026

My PhD dissertation focuses on income and earnings inequality in Belgium, with particular emphasis on documenting volatility from a longitudinal perspective. Specifically, my research investigates the vulnerability of different socio-demographic groups in terms of the instability of their earnings and income histories. I use both survey data (e.g., EU-SILC, EU-LFS) and large scale administrative data, to study and decompose inequality and volatility. My research aims to provide a deeper understanding into the dynamics of these risks across gender, education groups and migrants.

Recommended citation: Wizan, M. (2026). Socio-demographic patterns of instability: Essays on earnings and income volatility in Belgium. [Doctoral dissertation, University of Antwerp]. https://doi.org/10.63028/10067/2255400151162165141
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Maisarah Wizan