Precarious Lives: Job Insecurity and Well-Being in Rich Democracies

The liberalization of labor markets and welfare systems has led to increased precarious work and job insecurity in advanced,post-industrial democracies. Arne L. Kalleberg's cross-national analysis shows how active labor market policies and generous social welfare systems can protect workers and provide employers with flexibility. This new social contract can help address the challenges of precarious work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2018
Publisher: Polity Press

In the advanced, post-industrial democracies, employment relations have witnessed a significant surge in insecurity and uncertainty, as the burden of risks associated with work has been transferred from employers and governments to workers. Arne L. Kalleberg delves into the profound impact of the liberalization of labor markets and welfare systems on the emergence of precarious work and job insecurity, using a comprehensive analysis across six advanced capitalist democracies: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Spain, and Denmark. This insightful cross-national study sheds light on how active labor market policies and generous social welfare systems can serve as protective measures for workers, while also granting employers the flexibility they need to navigate the challenges posed by national and global competition and the rapid pace of technological advancements. By incorporating these policies into a new social contract, there is an opportunity to address the numerous challenges arising from the prevalence of precarious work, fostering a more equitable and sustainable employment landscape.

The liberalization of labor markets and welfare systems has had a profound impact on employment relations in advanced, post-industrial democracies. As employers and governments have shifted the responsibility for risks associated with work onto workers, employment security has become increasingly precarious. Arne L. Kalleberg's study examines the consequences of this shift in six advanced capitalist democracies: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Spain, and Denmark.

Through a cross-national analysis, Kalleberg demonstrates how the liberalization of labor markets and the reduction of social welfare benefits have contributed to the growth of precarious work. He highlights how active labor market policies and generous social welfare systems can protect workers and provide employers with the flexibility they need to adapt to changing economic conditions.

One of the key findings of Kalleberg's study is that countries with more generous social welfare systems tend to have lower levels of precarious work. This is because these systems provide a safety net for workers, allowing them to weather economic downturns and maintain their standard of living. In contrast, countries with less generous social welfare systems tend to have higher levels of precarious work, as workers are more vulnerable to economic shocks and are less able to afford basic necessities.

Kalleberg's study also highlights the importance of active labor market policies in addressing precarious work. These policies include measures such as job training programs, wage subsidies, and employment protection laws. By investing in these programs, governments can help workers develop the skills they need to secure stable and long-term employment, reducing the likelihood of falling into precarious work.

However, Kalleberg's study also notes that the implementation of effective labor market policies is challenging, particularly in the context of global competition and technological advancements. Many countries face the dual challenge of adapting to changing economic conditions while also maintaining their social welfare systems. This requires a balanced approach that considers the needs of both workers and employers.

In conclusion, the liberalization of labor markets and welfare systems has had a significant impact on employment relations in advanced, post-industrial democracies. While these policies have provided employers with the flexibility they need to adapt to changing economic conditions, they have also contributed to the growth of precarious work. By implementing effective labor market policies and investing in social welfare systems, governments can help protect workers and promote economic stability. However, this requires a sustained commitment to addressing the challenges posed by global competition and technological advancements.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 214 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509506507