Global Labour in Distress, Volume I: Globalization, Technology and Labour Resilience

The first volume of the book focuses on globalization, international migration, employment, labor agency, technological change, and labor resilience, and examines how labor institutions have responded to the challenges of the last 30 years.

Format: Hardback
Length: 602 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The first volume delves into the intricate realm of globalization, international migration, employment, labor agency, technological change, and labor resilience. This comprehensive book seeks to explore the profound ways in which labor institutions, across both developed and developing nations, have grappled with the myriad challenges that have emerged over the past three decades. Its relevance extends to students and researchers with a keen interest in labor economics, political economy, and development economics, as it offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the global labor market.

Globalization has brought about a profound transformation in the world economy, characterized by the increasing interconnectedness of nations and the rapid flow of goods, services, and capital across borders. This global interconnectedness has led to the growth of international migration, as individuals seek better economic opportunities and a higher quality of life in different parts of the world. The first volume examines the complex dynamics of international migration, including the factors that drive migration, the patterns of migration, and the impact of migration on both sending and receiving countries. It explores the challenges faced by migrant workers, such as discrimination, exploitation, and lack of access to basic rights and protections. The book also examines the policies and practices adopted by governments to manage migration, including border control, labor regulations, and social welfare programs.

International migration has significant implications for employment and labor markets. On the one hand, migration can provide a source of labor for industries that are experiencing labor shortages, particularly in developing countries. On the other hand, migration can also lead to competition for jobs and wage reductions for workers in the host country. The first volume explores the relationship between international migration and employment, including the effects of migration on job creation, job destruction, and wage inequality. It examines the policies and practices adopted by governments to promote job creation and address the challenges posed by labor market segmentation.

Employment is a critical aspect of economic development and well-being. The first volume examines the various forms of employment, including formal and informal employment, and the challenges faced by workers in both types of employment. It explores the role of labor agencies in matching workers with employers, the effects of labor market regulations on employment, and the strategies adopted by workers to improve their employment prospects. The book also examines the impact of technological change on employment, including the automation of jobs, the rise of the gig economy, and the changing nature of work.

Labor agency is a key concept in labor economics, as it refers to the relationship between workers and employers. The first volume explores the various forms of labor agency, including wage labor, self-employment, and subcontracting. It examines the factors that influence labor agency, such as labor market conditions, social norms, and legal regulations. The book also explores the strategies adopted by workers to improve their labor agency, such as collective bargaining, labor unions, and entrepreneurship.

Technological change has had a profound impact on the labor market, transforming the nature of work and the skills required for employment. The first volume examines the effects of technological change on employment, including the displacement of workers, the creation of new job opportunities, and the impact of automation on wages and productivity. It explores the policies and practices adopted by governments to promote technological change and address the challenges posed by job displacement.

Labor resilience is a critical concept in labor economics, as it refers to the ability of workers to adapt to changing labor market conditions and maintain their economic well-being. The first volume examines the factors that promote labor resilience, such as education, training, and social protection. It explores the strategies adopted by workers and governments to build labor resilience, such as job training programs, social safety nets, and labor market regulations.

In conclusion, the first volume of this book provides a comprehensive examination of the challenges faced by labor institutions in the context of globalization, international migration, employment, labor agency, technological change, and labor resilience. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which labor institutions have responded to these challenges and the policies and practices adopted to promote economic development and social well-being. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in labor economics, political economy, and development economics, as well as policymakers and practitioners working in the field of labor.

Weight: 962g
Dimension: 154 x 220 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030892579
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022