This work is based on my Doctoral Thesis, completed at the Doctoral School of Sociology, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Bucharest in 2024.
Ten years ago, I never imagined that I could be in the position of finishing a PhD. Now I can say that it has been a journey filled with scientific, professional, and personal growth. During this process, I discovered research topics that captivated me, encountered insightful sociological theories, and learned about captivating methods. In the future, I want to further explore these areas. My growth during these years would not have been possible without the support of the incredible people I am grateful to acknowledge here.
I would like to thank Cosima Rughinis, my scientific advisor. I always felt encouraged by her cheerful outlook and practical approach. From the start of my PhD, her valuable suggestions and ideas greatly influenced the main topic of my thesis, the theoretical framework used and its general development.
I am grateful to my doctoral scientific committee, Cosmin Toth, Paula Tufiș, and Irina Zamfirache, for their guidance and constructive feedback on methodological aspects, statistical models, theoretical concepts, and general writing advice, all of which contributed to the current thesis.
I want to express my gratitude to my friends and colleagues at the National Scientific Institute for Labour and Social Protection. Their support and guidance have been invaluable during my PhD studies. Collaborating with them has allowed me to explore new methodological approaches which have greatly influenced my thesis. They have also provided me with encouragement and advice outside of scientific matters, for which I am very grateful.
I would like to thank my family, partner, friends, cats, and dogs for their direct and indirect support throughout the writing of this PhD thesis.