Robert J. Flanagan
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195306002
- eISBN:
- 9780199783564
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195306007.003.0007
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This chapter evaluates the effect of globalization on the extent of a country’s labor regulation and the influence of national and international labor regulations on labor conditions. There is no ...
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This chapter evaluates the effect of globalization on the extent of a country’s labor regulation and the influence of national and international labor regulations on labor conditions. There is no evidence of an international race to the bottom in labor regulation. Other things considered equally, neither the size of a country's trade sector nor its trade policy appears to influence the extent of labor protection afforded by national labor legislation. The evidence also indicates that the system of international labor standards regulation administered by the International Labor Organization has not significantly improved labor conditions. Countries tend to ratify ILO labor standards that their domestic regulations already satisfy, rather than incurring the political costs of introducing or altering national legislation to meet higher standards. National labor regulations rarely benefit workers generally; instead some groups of workers gain at the expense of other workers.Less
This chapter evaluates the effect of globalization on the extent of a country’s labor regulation and the influence of national and international labor regulations on labor conditions. There is no evidence of an international race to the bottom in labor regulation. Other things considered equally, neither the size of a country's trade sector nor its trade policy appears to influence the extent of labor protection afforded by national labor legislation. The evidence also indicates that the system of international labor standards regulation administered by the International Labor Organization has not significantly improved labor conditions. Countries tend to ratify ILO labor standards that their domestic regulations already satisfy, rather than incurring the political costs of introducing or altering national legislation to meet higher standards. National labor regulations rarely benefit workers generally; instead some groups of workers gain at the expense of other workers.
Robert J. Flanagan
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195306002
- eISBN:
- 9780199783564
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195306007.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This book explains how the three main mechanisms of globalization — international trade, international migration, and international capital flows — alter working conditions (particularly wages, work ...
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This book explains how the three main mechanisms of globalization — international trade, international migration, and international capital flows — alter working conditions (particularly wages, work hours, and job safety) and labor rights (freedom of association, nondiscrimination, and the elimination of forced and child labor). An important sub-theme is the relative importance of international markets and international regulation in providing improvements in labor conditions around the world. The book presents evidence on how labor conditions changed during the late 20th-century globalization, and on how economic growth, international trade, migration, and multinational companies influence labor conditions around the world. Drawing on analyses of an international database on labor conditions prepared for this study and on numerous research studies, the book finds a general improvement in labor conditions during the late 20th century and documents the positive influence of economic development on those conditions. Chapters on the role of trade, migration, and multinational companies find that each mechanism of globalization is associated with the improvements in working conditions and with improvements in most labor rights. In contrast, the evidence does not support the view that increasing economic integration initiates an international race to the bottom that produces sweatshop labor conditions. The book also considers the influence of national and international labor regulations on working conditions and labor rights around the world. The evidence indicates that in contrast with trade, migration, and international capital flows, labor standards regulation has had a limited role in advancing labor conditions. The book concludes by showing how several policies that create opportunities for targeted worker groups show promise for supplementing the positive effects of globalization on labor conditions.Less
This book explains how the three main mechanisms of globalization — international trade, international migration, and international capital flows — alter working conditions (particularly wages, work hours, and job safety) and labor rights (freedom of association, nondiscrimination, and the elimination of forced and child labor). An important sub-theme is the relative importance of international markets and international regulation in providing improvements in labor conditions around the world. The book presents evidence on how labor conditions changed during the late 20th-century globalization, and on how economic growth, international trade, migration, and multinational companies influence labor conditions around the world. Drawing on analyses of an international database on labor conditions prepared for this study and on numerous research studies, the book finds a general improvement in labor conditions during the late 20th century and documents the positive influence of economic development on those conditions. Chapters on the role of trade, migration, and multinational companies find that each mechanism of globalization is associated with the improvements in working conditions and with improvements in most labor rights. In contrast, the evidence does not support the view that increasing economic integration initiates an international race to the bottom that produces sweatshop labor conditions. The book also considers the influence of national and international labor regulations on working conditions and labor rights around the world. The evidence indicates that in contrast with trade, migration, and international capital flows, labor standards regulation has had a limited role in advancing labor conditions. The book concludes by showing how several policies that create opportunities for targeted worker groups show promise for supplementing the positive effects of globalization on labor conditions.
Gøsta Esping-Andersen and Marino Regini (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This book explores the deregulation of labour markets in Europe. It reviews the different national approaches to flexibility and deregulation, and examines their impact on unemployment structure and ...
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This book explores the deregulation of labour markets in Europe. It reviews the different national approaches to flexibility and deregulation, and examines their impact on unemployment structure and trends. The book is divided into two parts. Part I focuses on current labour policies and the different approaches to flexibilisation. Part II presents detailed studies on eight European countries. Each represents distinct regulatory patterns and different types of performance.Less
This book explores the deregulation of labour markets in Europe. It reviews the different national approaches to flexibility and deregulation, and examines their impact on unemployment structure and trends. The book is divided into two parts. Part I focuses on current labour policies and the different approaches to flexibilisation. Part II presents detailed studies on eight European countries. Each represents distinct regulatory patterns and different types of performance.
Manuela Samek Lodovici
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines labour market regulation in Italy. It highlights the risks associated with excessive regulation of employment relations: the development of a highly segmented market, exclusion ...
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This chapter examines labour market regulation in Italy. It highlights the risks associated with excessive regulation of employment relations: the development of a highly segmented market, exclusion of first-time job seekers from regular employment, low elasticity of wages to unemployment, inefficiencies from low inter-regional and inter-sectoral labour mobility, and the presence of a large underground economy. ‘Re-regulation’ in the early 1990s has improved flexibility in wage dynamics, working time, firing procedures, and atypical work.Less
This chapter examines labour market regulation in Italy. It highlights the risks associated with excessive regulation of employment relations: the development of a highly segmented market, exclusion of first-time job seekers from regular employment, low elasticity of wages to unemployment, inefficiencies from low inter-regional and inter-sectoral labour mobility, and the presence of a large underground economy. ‘Re-regulation’ in the early 1990s has improved flexibility in wage dynamics, working time, firing procedures, and atypical work.
Gøsta Esping‐Andersen
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the impact of labour market regulation in Europe. It shows that regulation slows down flows out of unemployment, and contributes to the unemployment problem among young and ...
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This chapter examines the impact of labour market regulation in Europe. It shows that regulation slows down flows out of unemployment, and contributes to the unemployment problem among young and low-skilled workers. Other than these, there is no consistent nor convincing evidence on the relationship between employment protection and unemployment in quantitative literature.Less
This chapter examines the impact of labour market regulation in Europe. It shows that regulation slows down flows out of unemployment, and contributes to the unemployment problem among young and low-skilled workers. Other than these, there is no consistent nor convincing evidence on the relationship between employment protection and unemployment in quantitative literature.
Leah F. Vosko
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199574810
- eISBN:
- 9780191722080
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199574810.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy, HRM / IR
This book seeks to understand the precarious margins of late‐capitalist labour markets. Its point of departure is the prevailing view that the full‐time continuous job or the standard employment ...
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This book seeks to understand the precarious margins of late‐capitalist labour markets. Its point of departure is the prevailing view that the full‐time continuous job or the standard employment relationship (SER) is being eclipsed by part‐time and temporary paid employment and self‐employment. To the extent that such a shift is taking place, what are its implications for precarious employment and those struggling against it? Addressing this question, the book examines the construction, consolidation, and contraction of the SER, taking as its focus the contested emergence—within, amongst and across different nation states—of regulations on ‘non‐standard’ forms of employment. These regulations ‘see’ the problem of precarious employment in ‘non‐standard’, which leads them to seek solutions minimizing deviations from the SER. Managing the Margins labels such approaches ‘SER‐centric’ and illustrates how they leave intact the precarious margins of the labour market. The book employs three conceptual lenses—the normative model of employment, the gender contract, and citizenship boundaries. Chapters 1 to 3 sketch the gendered development of regulations forging the SER in parts of Western Europe, Australia, Canada, and the US, and its evolution in the International Labour Code. Chapters 4 to 6 examine post‐1990 international labour regulations responding to precariousness in employment—focusing on the ILO Convention on Part‐Time Work, EU Directives on Fixed‐Term and Temporary Agency Work, and the ILO Recommendation on the Employment Relationship. To assess their logic, these chapters use illustrations of the regulation of part‐time employment in Australia, temporary employment in the EU 15, and self‐employment in OECD countries. The book concludes by assessing alternatives to SER‐centrism.Less
This book seeks to understand the precarious margins of late‐capitalist labour markets. Its point of departure is the prevailing view that the full‐time continuous job or the standard employment relationship (SER) is being eclipsed by part‐time and temporary paid employment and self‐employment. To the extent that such a shift is taking place, what are its implications for precarious employment and those struggling against it? Addressing this question, the book examines the construction, consolidation, and contraction of the SER, taking as its focus the contested emergence—within, amongst and across different nation states—of regulations on ‘non‐standard’ forms of employment. These regulations ‘see’ the problem of precarious employment in ‘non‐standard’, which leads them to seek solutions minimizing deviations from the SER. Managing the Margins labels such approaches ‘SER‐centric’ and illustrates how they leave intact the precarious margins of the labour market. The book employs three conceptual lenses—the normative model of employment, the gender contract, and citizenship boundaries. Chapters 1 to 3 sketch the gendered development of regulations forging the SER in parts of Western Europe, Australia, Canada, and the US, and its evolution in the International Labour Code. Chapters 4 to 6 examine post‐1990 international labour regulations responding to precariousness in employment—focusing on the ILO Convention on Part‐Time Work, EU Directives on Fixed‐Term and Temporary Agency Work, and the ILO Recommendation on the Employment Relationship. To assess their logic, these chapters use illustrations of the regulation of part‐time employment in Australia, temporary employment in the EU 15, and self‐employment in OECD countries. The book concludes by assessing alternatives to SER‐centrism.
Leah F. Vosko
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199574810
- eISBN:
- 9780191722080
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199574810.003.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy, HRM / IR
This chapter introduces the book's central arguments as well as the three conceptual lenses through which these arguments develop—the normative model of employment, the gender contract, and ...
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This chapter introduces the book's central arguments as well as the three conceptual lenses through which these arguments develop—the normative model of employment, the gender contract, and citizenship boundaries. It also defines precarious employment, discusses key aspects of international labour regulations, describes the book's multi‐method approach, and summarizes the contents of Chapters 1 to Chapters 7.Less
This chapter introduces the book's central arguments as well as the three conceptual lenses through which these arguments develop—the normative model of employment, the gender contract, and citizenship boundaries. It also defines precarious employment, discusses key aspects of international labour regulations, describes the book's multi‐method approach, and summarizes the contents of Chapters 1 to Chapters 7.
Leah F. Vosko
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199574810
- eISBN:
- 9780191722080
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199574810.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy, HRM / IR
This chapter examines responses to the destabilization of the employment relationship and labour market insecurities coming in its train. The regulation of principal focus is the ILO Recommendation ...
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This chapter examines responses to the destabilization of the employment relationship and labour market insecurities coming in its train. The regulation of principal focus is the ILO Recommendation on the Employment Relationship (2006), marking a shift from equal treatment to effective protection. The empirical focus is Industrialized Market Economy Countries experiencing a rise of self‐employment resembling paid employment, a subset of which was precarious, in the late 20th century. Two approaches to self‐employment are scrutinized: the approach advanced in Australia at the federal level, characterized by the promotion of independent contracting, and the approach pursued in several EU countries as well as at the Community level, characterized by measures supporting entrepreneurship while aiming to limit insecurities among the self‐employed. Among these approaches, EU‐level proposals addressing ‘economically dependent work’ hold promise. However, even they retain the binary division between paid or subordinate employment and self‐employment rather than extending labour protection to all workers.Less
This chapter examines responses to the destabilization of the employment relationship and labour market insecurities coming in its train. The regulation of principal focus is the ILO Recommendation on the Employment Relationship (2006), marking a shift from equal treatment to effective protection. The empirical focus is Industrialized Market Economy Countries experiencing a rise of self‐employment resembling paid employment, a subset of which was precarious, in the late 20th century. Two approaches to self‐employment are scrutinized: the approach advanced in Australia at the federal level, characterized by the promotion of independent contracting, and the approach pursued in several EU countries as well as at the Community level, characterized by measures supporting entrepreneurship while aiming to limit insecurities among the self‐employed. Among these approaches, EU‐level proposals addressing ‘economically dependent work’ hold promise. However, even they retain the binary division between paid or subordinate employment and self‐employment rather than extending labour protection to all workers.
Mats Benner and Torben Bundgaard Vad
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240920
- eISBN:
- 9780191600180
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240922.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
The very generous, service‐oriented ‘social–democratic’ welfare states in Sweden and Denmark did consistently achieve higher levels of overall employment, extremely high levels of public services, ...
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The very generous, service‐oriented ‘social–democratic’ welfare states in Sweden and Denmark did consistently achieve higher levels of overall employment, extremely high levels of public services, greater equality in wages, and higher rates of female employment than either the ‘liberal’ or the ‘Bismarckian’ welfare states covered in this study. Following the liberalization of capital markets and errors of fiscal and monetary policy at the end of the 1980s, however, the Swedish economy went from an overheated boom into a deep recession, which then required significant cutbacks of social spending and public‐sector employment in the 1990s. By contrast, Denmark combined growth‐oriented macroeconomic policies with more flexible labour‐market regulations that allowed it to maintain the high level of public services while also increasing employment in private services. With the rapid recovery of the Swedish economy at the end of the 1990s, both countries are again successful in combining high competitiveness in the international economy with very high levels of social protection.Less
The very generous, service‐oriented ‘social–democratic’ welfare states in Sweden and Denmark did consistently achieve higher levels of overall employment, extremely high levels of public services, greater equality in wages, and higher rates of female employment than either the ‘liberal’ or the ‘Bismarckian’ welfare states covered in this study. Following the liberalization of capital markets and errors of fiscal and monetary policy at the end of the 1980s, however, the Swedish economy went from an overheated boom into a deep recession, which then required significant cutbacks of social spending and public‐sector employment in the 1990s. By contrast, Denmark combined growth‐oriented macroeconomic policies with more flexible labour‐market regulations that allowed it to maintain the high level of public services while also increasing employment in private services. With the rapid recovery of the Swedish economy at the end of the 1990s, both countries are again successful in combining high competitiveness in the international economy with very high levels of social protection.
Gøsta Esping‐Andersen
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198742005
- eISBN:
- 9780191599163
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198742002.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
The macroscopic changes to post‐industrial employment that were examined in the previous chapter are unlikely to affect all nations similarly. Job loss through de‐industrialization, e.g., will be ...
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The macroscopic changes to post‐industrial employment that were examined in the previous chapter are unlikely to affect all nations similarly. Job loss through de‐industrialization, e.g., will be more massive where existing industries are uncompetitive (as in Britain or Spain) and less devastating elsewhere—perhaps because firms are more adaptable (as in much of Danish, Italian, or German industry), but possibly also because wage costs decline (as in the US). De‐industrialization may or may not cause heavy unemployment, depending on skill and production structure, and also on how labour markets are managed; most of Europe has,e.g., transformed mass lay‐offs into early retirement. Similar root causes of post‐industrial employment will, therefore, have radically divergent outcomes—there is no such thing as one post‐industrial model because the institutional make‐up of nations differs, and so also does their choice of how to manage change. The different sections of this chapter are: Industrial Relations; Labour Market Regulation; The Dilemmas of Flexibilization; The Welfare State and the Reservation Wage; Wage Regulation; Employment Protection; The Regulatory Infrastructure and the Management of Industrial Decline; Managing the Equality—Jobs Trade‐Off; The Hump‐Shaped Curve—a quadratic measure of labour market rigidities; and National Idiosyncrasies and Welfare Regimes.Less
The macroscopic changes to post‐industrial employment that were examined in the previous chapter are unlikely to affect all nations similarly. Job loss through de‐industrialization, e.g., will be more massive where existing industries are uncompetitive (as in Britain or Spain) and less devastating elsewhere—perhaps because firms are more adaptable (as in much of Danish, Italian, or German industry), but possibly also because wage costs decline (as in the US). De‐industrialization may or may not cause heavy unemployment, depending on skill and production structure, and also on how labour markets are managed; most of Europe has,e.g., transformed mass lay‐offs into early retirement. Similar root causes of post‐industrial employment will, therefore, have radically divergent outcomes—there is no such thing as one post‐industrial model because the institutional make‐up of nations differs, and so also does their choice of how to manage change. The different sections of this chapter are: Industrial Relations; Labour Market Regulation; The Dilemmas of Flexibilization; The Welfare State and the Reservation Wage; Wage Regulation; Employment Protection; The Regulatory Infrastructure and the Management of Industrial Decline; Managing the Equality—Jobs Trade‐Off; The Hump‐Shaped Curve—a quadratic measure of labour market rigidities; and National Idiosyncrasies and Welfare Regimes.
Susanne Fuchs and Ronald Schettkat
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines labour market regulation in Germany. It argues that there is no clear evidence to support claims that labour laws reduced the flexibility of the labour market. Although ...
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This chapter examines labour market regulation in Germany. It argues that there is no clear evidence to support claims that labour laws reduced the flexibility of the labour market. Although deregulation did not yield positive employment effects, neither did it have the destructive effects claimed by opponents. The relaxation of requirements for fixed-term contracts neither boosted employment nor destroyed social cohesion.Less
This chapter examines labour market regulation in Germany. It argues that there is no clear evidence to support claims that labour laws reduced the flexibility of the labour market. Although deregulation did not yield positive employment effects, neither did it have the destructive effects claimed by opponents. The relaxation of requirements for fixed-term contracts neither boosted employment nor destroyed social cohesion.
Emily Zackin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691155777
- eISBN:
- 9781400846276
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691155777.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
This chapter examines the campaigns to add labor rights to state constitutions. The quintessential arguments about America's exceptional liberalism and its uniquely negative-rights culture have ...
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This chapter examines the campaigns to add labor rights to state constitutions. The quintessential arguments about America's exceptional liberalism and its uniquely negative-rights culture have focused on the labor movement, which Louis Hartz has argued was a participant in—rather than a rival of—the dominant economic and ideological regime. The chapter first considers the labor provisions of state constitutions before discussing the ways that labor leaders and organizations influenced the drafting of new constitutions and amendments to existing constitutions. It then explains how labor rights were created not only to overturn particular court decisions, but also to preempt possible litigation. It also shows how labor organizations used constitutional rights to dictate state legislatures what they had to do while simultaneously telling courts what they could not do. The chapter demonstrates that, even in the area of labor regulation, Americans have successfully pursued the creation of positive rights.Less
This chapter examines the campaigns to add labor rights to state constitutions. The quintessential arguments about America's exceptional liberalism and its uniquely negative-rights culture have focused on the labor movement, which Louis Hartz has argued was a participant in—rather than a rival of—the dominant economic and ideological regime. The chapter first considers the labor provisions of state constitutions before discussing the ways that labor leaders and organizations influenced the drafting of new constitutions and amendments to existing constitutions. It then explains how labor rights were created not only to overturn particular court decisions, but also to preempt possible litigation. It also shows how labor organizations used constitutional rights to dictate state legislatures what they had to do while simultaneously telling courts what they could not do. The chapter demonstrates that, even in the area of labor regulation, Americans have successfully pursued the creation of positive rights.
Luis Toharia and Miguel A. Malo
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the impact of the Spanish government’s introduction of ‘flexibility at the margin’ on employment and unemployment. This change affected the economy’s capacity to create jobs. It ...
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This chapter examines the impact of the Spanish government’s introduction of ‘flexibility at the margin’ on employment and unemployment. This change affected the economy’s capacity to create jobs. It facilitated the creation of a wider dual labour market with a primary sector in which workers enjoyed significant stability, and a secondary sector in which employment stability is lacking.Less
This chapter examines the impact of the Spanish government’s introduction of ‘flexibility at the margin’ on employment and unemployment. This change affected the economy’s capacity to create jobs. It facilitated the creation of a wider dual labour market with a primary sector in which workers enjoyed significant stability, and a secondary sector in which employment stability is lacking.
Walter Müller and Markus Gangl (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199252473
- eISBN:
- 9780191601958
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199252475.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Compiles an integrated series of comparative empirical analyses of education-to-work transitions in European Union countries. Individual chapters describe the educational background of young people ...
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Compiles an integrated series of comparative empirical analyses of education-to-work transitions in European Union countries. Individual chapters describe the educational background of young people entering the labour market, address the scope of educational expansion over the past decades, and chart basic structures of transition patterns in European labour markets. Moreover, several chapters examine the role of individual qualifications, and also the impact of recent employment turbulences and structural change in the economy on school leavers' integration into the labour market. From these, the structure of education and training systems emerges as a key institutional factor for facilitating smooth transitions into the labour market. At the level of intermediate skills, vocational training and apprenticeships have retained their advantages, in particular with respect to youth unemployment. As devaluation trends have empirically been limited so far, tertiary level qualifications similarly continue to provide a most attractive inroad into the upper segments of the occupational structure. Youth labour markets, in particular for low-skilled leavers, clearly deteriorated during the macroeconomic turbulences of the early 1990s, however.Less
Compiles an integrated series of comparative empirical analyses of education-to-work transitions in European Union countries. Individual chapters describe the educational background of young people entering the labour market, address the scope of educational expansion over the past decades, and chart basic structures of transition patterns in European labour markets. Moreover, several chapters examine the role of individual qualifications, and also the impact of recent employment turbulences and structural change in the economy on school leavers' integration into the labour market. From these, the structure of education and training systems emerges as a key institutional factor for facilitating smooth transitions into the labour market. At the level of intermediate skills, vocational training and apprenticeships have retained their advantages, in particular with respect to youth unemployment. As devaluation trends have empirically been limited so far, tertiary level qualifications similarly continue to provide a most attractive inroad into the upper segments of the occupational structure. Youth labour markets, in particular for low-skilled leavers, clearly deteriorated during the macroeconomic turbulences of the early 1990s, however.
Paul Davies and Mark Freedland
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199217878
- eISBN:
- 9780191712326
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199217878.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Employment Law
This book deals with the development of employment legislation and policy in the United Kingdom during the period from the early 1990s until 2006. The core of the work consists of a critical analysis ...
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This book deals with the development of employment legislation and policy in the United Kingdom during the period from the early 1990s until 2006. The core of the work consists of a critical analysis of the policy and legislation of the ‘New Labour’ governments headed by Tony Blair, and considers both domestically-driven initiatives and those governments' responses to employment initiatives stemming from the social policy of the European Community. The book constitutes a successor volume to the same authors' Labour Legislation and Public Policy (OUP, 1992), which covered the period from the end of the Second World War to the early 1990s, but it is also a free-standing book in its own right. The work argues for an understanding of this body of legislation and regulatory activity as being directed towards the realisation of a flexible labour market. It shows how the flexibility objective has been pursued in three intersecting areas: regulating personal employment relations; promoting a collective ‘voice’ for employees at work; and maximising levels of employment. The book assesses how far the goal of flexibility has been achieved and also analyses the regulatory techniques generated by this policy and the strengths and limitations of making labour market flexibility the cornerstone of employment legislation and policy.Less
This book deals with the development of employment legislation and policy in the United Kingdom during the period from the early 1990s until 2006. The core of the work consists of a critical analysis of the policy and legislation of the ‘New Labour’ governments headed by Tony Blair, and considers both domestically-driven initiatives and those governments' responses to employment initiatives stemming from the social policy of the European Community. The book constitutes a successor volume to the same authors' Labour Legislation and Public Policy (OUP, 1992), which covered the period from the end of the Second World War to the early 1990s, but it is also a free-standing book in its own right. The work argues for an understanding of this body of legislation and regulatory activity as being directed towards the realisation of a flexible labour market. It shows how the flexibility objective has been pursued in three intersecting areas: regulating personal employment relations; promoting a collective ‘voice’ for employees at work; and maximising levels of employment. The book assesses how far the goal of flexibility has been achieved and also analyses the regulatory techniques generated by this policy and the strengths and limitations of making labour market flexibility the cornerstone of employment legislation and policy.
Gøsta Esping‐Andersen and Marino Regini
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0013
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter presents a synthesis of the findings in this volume on the deregulation of labour markets in Europe. It argues that Europe is not homogeneous, that regulation affects structure and not ...
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This chapter presents a synthesis of the findings in this volume on the deregulation of labour markets in Europe. It argues that Europe is not homogeneous, that regulation affects structure and not employment, and that regulation and flexibility have complex and contradictory effects. It discusses policy implications and cites two targets of reform. These are collective bargaining practice and the interaction of formal education and work-related training.Less
This chapter presents a synthesis of the findings in this volume on the deregulation of labour markets in Europe. It argues that Europe is not homogeneous, that regulation affects structure and not employment, and that regulation and flexibility have complex and contradictory effects. It discusses policy implications and cites two targets of reform. These are collective bargaining practice and the interaction of formal education and work-related training.
David Howell (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195165845
- eISBN:
- 9780199835515
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195165845.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics
Much of Europe remains plagued by high levels of unemployment. Fighting Unemployment critically assesses the widely accepted view that the culprit is excessive labor market regulation and overly ...
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Much of Europe remains plagued by high levels of unemployment. Fighting Unemployment critically assesses the widely accepted view that the culprit is excessive labor market regulation and overly generous welfare state benefits. The chapters include both cross-country statistical analyses and country case studies and are authored by economists from seven North American and European countries. They challenge the standard free market prescription that lower wages for less skilled workers, weaker labor unions, greater decentralization in bargaining, less generous unemployment benefits, and much less job security are necessary for good employment performance. There is little or no evidence of an equality-employment tradeoff: more wage equality is not associated with higher unemployment (or lower employment) rates. And while some recent statistical tests of the role of protective labor market institutions across the most affluent countries have been interpreted to lend support to the orthodox view and have been highly influential in both professional and policy circles, these results are shown to vary significantly across studies and to be highly sensitive to minor changes in the way the tests are run. The case study chapters suggest that good employment performance has been achieved less by shrinking the welfare state and deregulating the labor market than by effectively coordinating macroeconomic and social policies with the wage bargaining system —an achievement that requires both strong employer and union associations and a relatively stable and consensual political environment. The larger message of this book is that fundamentally different labor market models are compatible with low unemployment, ranging from the free market “American Model” to the much more regulated and coordinated Scandinavian systems.Less
Much of Europe remains plagued by high levels of unemployment. Fighting Unemployment critically assesses the widely accepted view that the culprit is excessive labor market regulation and overly generous welfare state benefits. The chapters include both cross-country statistical analyses and country case studies and are authored by economists from seven North American and European countries. They challenge the standard free market prescription that lower wages for less skilled workers, weaker labor unions, greater decentralization in bargaining, less generous unemployment benefits, and much less job security are necessary for good employment performance. There is little or no evidence of an equality-employment tradeoff: more wage equality is not associated with higher unemployment (or lower employment) rates. And while some recent statistical tests of the role of protective labor market institutions across the most affluent countries have been interpreted to lend support to the orthodox view and have been highly influential in both professional and policy circles, these results are shown to vary significantly across studies and to be highly sensitive to minor changes in the way the tests are run. The case study chapters suggest that good employment performance has been achieved less by shrinking the welfare state and deregulating the labor market than by effectively coordinating macroeconomic and social policies with the wage bargaining system —an achievement that requires both strong employer and union associations and a relatively stable and consensual political environment. The larger message of this book is that fundamentally different labor market models are compatible with low unemployment, ranging from the free market “American Model” to the much more regulated and coordinated Scandinavian systems.
Jacob Mincer
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199211319
- eISBN:
- 9780191705748
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199211319.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, History of Economic Thought
Although Jacob Mincer is well known for his work on income distribution and the labor supply phenomena, he also explored other important topics in labor research. This chapter explores his efforts to ...
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Although Jacob Mincer is well known for his work on income distribution and the labor supply phenomena, he also explored other important topics in labor research. This chapter explores his efforts to understand better the dynamic nature of the labor market, especially with regard to workers' mobility and unemployment. The chapter also analyzes Mincer's work on the impact of some labor market regulations and on the employment effects of economic growth. The analysis of that part of his research provides a better understanding of the main characteristics of Mincer's work and helps to grasp fully his influence on contemporary labor research. It also reveals that underlying and unifying his research was a persistent aim at exploring the explanatory power of human capital analysis and its implications for the dynamics of the labor market.Less
Although Jacob Mincer is well known for his work on income distribution and the labor supply phenomena, he also explored other important topics in labor research. This chapter explores his efforts to understand better the dynamic nature of the labor market, especially with regard to workers' mobility and unemployment. The chapter also analyzes Mincer's work on the impact of some labor market regulations and on the employment effects of economic growth. The analysis of that part of his research provides a better understanding of the main characteristics of Mincer's work and helps to grasp fully his influence on contemporary labor research. It also reveals that underlying and unifying his research was a persistent aim at exploring the explanatory power of human capital analysis and its implications for the dynamics of the labor market.
Markus Gangl
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199252473
- eISBN:
- 9780191601958
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199252475.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Scrutinizes the notion that patterns of school-to-work transitions in Europe can be characterized by a dichotomy between an occupational labour market (OLM) model, where entry jobs are closely linked ...
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Scrutinizes the notion that patterns of school-to-work transitions in Europe can be characterized by a dichotomy between an occupational labour market (OLM) model, where entry jobs are closely linked to young people’s specialized vocational training, and an internal labour market (ILM) model that results from a more significant role of labour market experience and seniority in matching processes. Empirically, the country clustering conforms to the OLM–ILM dichotomy insofar as entry patterns in Continental Europe with extensive vocational training systems differ from those of Northern European countries lacking such systems. Southern European countries differ systematically from both patterns, however, and indicate that transition patterns are not determined by the structure of training systems alone but result from the interaction of educational systems and labour market institutions.Less
Scrutinizes the notion that patterns of school-to-work transitions in Europe can be characterized by a dichotomy between an occupational labour market (OLM) model, where entry jobs are closely linked to young people’s specialized vocational training, and an internal labour market (ILM) model that results from a more significant role of labour market experience and seniority in matching processes. Empirically, the country clustering conforms to the OLM–ILM dichotomy insofar as entry patterns in Continental Europe with extensive vocational training systems differ from those of Northern European countries lacking such systems. Southern European countries differ systematically from both patterns, however, and indicate that transition patterns are not determined by the structure of training systems alone but result from the interaction of educational systems and labour market institutions.
Rolph van der Hoeven and Catherine Saget
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- August 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199271412
- eISBN:
- 9780191601255
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199271410.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Looks at some of the labour market outcomes of recent economic reforms. The extent to which labour market institutions affect the relationship between reform policies and income inequality remains ...
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Looks at some of the labour market outcomes of recent economic reforms. The extent to which labour market institutions affect the relationship between reform policies and income inequality remains controversial. Some see labour market institutions as a hindrance to more efficient development and growth, while others argue that without proper labour market institutions an economy cannot progress. Labour market policies, regulations, and institutions have at least three goals: improving allocative efficiency (matching supply and demand); improving dynamic efficiency (increasing the quality of the labour force); and improving or maintaining a sense of equity and social justice among labour force participants. These different goals inform the discussion throughout the chapter, which is organized as follows: after an introduction, the second section touches briefly on some theoretical aspects of labour markets and reform policies; the third reviews trends in labour market changes in terms of informalization of employment, wage shares in national income, and wage inequality; the fourth reviews some general trends in labour market policies that have typically been implemented under the Washington Consensus, namely, a decline in minimum wages, shifts in the bargaining power of unions, and a reduction in employment protection; the final section offers conclusions on whether or not labour market policies reduce income inequality.Less
Looks at some of the labour market outcomes of recent economic reforms. The extent to which labour market institutions affect the relationship between reform policies and income inequality remains controversial. Some see labour market institutions as a hindrance to more efficient development and growth, while others argue that without proper labour market institutions an economy cannot progress. Labour market policies, regulations, and institutions have at least three goals: improving allocative efficiency (matching supply and demand); improving dynamic efficiency (increasing the quality of the labour force); and improving or maintaining a sense of equity and social justice among labour force participants. These different goals inform the discussion throughout the chapter, which is organized as follows: after an introduction, the second section touches briefly on some theoretical aspects of labour markets and reform policies; the third reviews trends in labour market changes in terms of informalization of employment, wage shares in national income, and wage inequality; the fourth reviews some general trends in labour market policies that have typically been implemented under the Washington Consensus, namely, a decline in minimum wages, shifts in the bargaining power of unions, and a reduction in employment protection; the final section offers conclusions on whether or not labour market policies reduce income inequality.
