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| Author: | Berthold, N. Fehn, R. |
| Title: | The Positive Economics of Unemployment and Labor Market Inflexibility |
| Journal: | Kyklos
1996 : VOL. 49:4, p. 583-613 |
| Index terms: | UNEMPLOYMENT LABOUR MARKETS POLITICAL ECONOMY EMPLOYMENT POLICY GLOBALIZATION GERMANY |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the puzzling inaction of governments in Europe concerning labor market liberalization. Although high and persistent unemployment is currently one of the most important political problems, and although most economists regard more liberalized labor markets as a prerequisite for better employment results, in terms of actual reforms very little has in fact been achieved. In the German case this assertion is shown to be especially valid. It is argued that this puzzle can be solved by adopting a political economy perspective. Labor market rigidites serve political economy considerations mainly by benefitting well organized insiders at the expense of badly organized and politically marginalized outsiders and by creating a larger political feasible policies for fighting unemployment is a challenging task. |
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