International Segmentation of Labor

Author(s):  
Harald Bauder

The relationship between migration and labor markets can be approached from different conceptual and philosophical angles. In this chapter, I draw on labor market segmentation theory to examine how the international mobility of workers interlinks with the international segmentation of labor. In addition, I highlight two aspects of this relationship that have been sidelined in the existing literature but that are important to understanding how this relationship works. The first aspect is the notion of citizenship. Although this notion has received considerable attention in the social sciences in recent years, it has been neglected as a driving force of the segmentation of labor. The second aspect is the cultural representation of migrating populations and workers, which contributes vitally to the regulation of labor markets. The structure of this chapter follows the intention to convey a particular theoretical perspective and to highlight particular aspects of this perspective. First, I present segmentation theory as an entry point into a discussion of the relationship between international migration and labor market regulation. Second, I introduce the notion of citizenship to this discussion. Third, I present cultural representations as critical components in the international segmentation of labor markets. To explain labor market segmentation theory one may begin with Karl Marx. Marx ([1867] 2001) called labor “variable capital” and the means of production “constant capital.” Labor is variable because workers can be hired and fired in response to business and seasonal cycles. The means of production, on the other hand, are constant because they constitute a fixed investment and stay idle in periods of economic slowdown. Segmentation theory begins with the premise that the idleness of machinery and other fixed investments can be prevented or reduced by dividing production into two distinct segments. The primary segment is capital-intensive; high levels of technology ensure the efficient use of the workforce. In times of economic contraction, this primary sector keeps operating to satisfy the basic demand that still exists for products. The secondary segment, on the other hand, is labor-intensive, with only minimal investments in machinery and technology.

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-404
Author(s):  
Ruth Meyer ◽  
Huw Vasey

Postwar migration to “western” countries has gone hand in hand with the development of ethnically segmented labor markets, particularly in low-skill roles where entry requirements are minimal. While numerous theories have been forwarded as to why such situations occur, it has remained difficult to empirically test the relative impact of the many interacting processes that produce segmentation in the labor market. In this article, we investigate the processes of ethnic segmentation in low-skilled labor markets, where referral hiring is the norm, with particular reference to the role of ethnically homogeneous social networks and forms of discrimination. We employ an agent-based modeling approach, adapting key elements from Waldinger and Lichter’s widely cited networked explanation of ethnic labor market segmentation. This approach allows us to provide a different lens on theories of ethnic labor market segmentation, investigating the relative impacts of different causal processes that are difficult to investigate in this way using other social science approaches. The overall results from our model indicate that ethnically homogeneous social networks have the effect of increasing the level of ethnic segmentation within a referral-based labor market, but that these networks also help immigrant populations grow and protect them from the negative impacts of employer discrimination. Furthermore, these networks have a greater impact on labor market segmentation than discrimination alone. In conclusion, this sociologically informed agent-based model provides important insights into the manner and extent in which changes in social conditions may affect population-level phenomena.


Author(s):  
Gary S. Fields

This article is about labor-market models. Its aim is to construct models that are as simple as they can be but as complicated as they need to be. Such models, if carefully done, can contribute to an understanding of observed labor market phenomena and to the formulation of sound labor market policies. Some branches of economics work with models that assume that everybody who works participates in a single, undifferentiated labor market. This article regards such models as grossly unrealistic. The notion of labor market segmentation can be stylized most simply by maintaining that there are two labor market segments. In this article, labor markets should be thought of as consisting not only of wage and salaried employment but also of self-employment. All who work or seek to work in labor markets are termed workers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-182
Author(s):  
Maria Poggi Johnson

In his trilogy of space travel novels, published between 1938 and 1945, C.S. Lewis strikingly anticipates, and incarnates in imaginative form, the insights and concerns central to the modern discipline of ecotheology. The moral and spiritual battle that forms the plot of the novels is enacted and informed by the relationship between humans and the natural environment, Rebellion against, and alienation from, the Creator inevitably manifests in a violent and alienated attitude to creation, which is seen as something to be mastered and exploited. Lives and cultures in harmony with the divine will, on the other hand, are expressed in relationships of care and respect for the environment. The imaginative premise of the Trilogy is that of ecotheology; that the human relationships with God, neighbour, and earth and are deeply and inextricably intertwined.


1970 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Aini Musyarofah

The relationship between Islam and state raises a controversy that includes two main groups;formalists and substantialists. Both of them intend to achieve a good social condition which is inaccordance with Islamic politics. The ideal form of good society to be achieved is principallydescribed in the main source of Islamic law, Al Qur’an and As Sunnah, as follows. A form of goodsociety should supprot equality and justice, egalitarianism, and democracy in its social community.The next problem is what the needed methods and instruments to achieve the ideal Islamic politicsare. In this case, the debate on the formalization and substance of Islamic teaching is related to therunning formal political institution.Each group claims itself to be the most representative to the ideal Islam that often leads to anescalating conflict. On the other hand thr arguments of both groups does not reach the wholeMuslims. As a result, the discourse of Islam and state seems to be elitist and political. As a result,Both groups suspect each other each other and try to utilize the controversy on the relationshipbetween Islam and state to get their own benefit which has no relation with the actualization ofIslamic teaching.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
putri asifa ◽  
Hade Afriansyah

This article discusses the administration of school and community relation. The existence of schools is driven by the needs of the community, because educational responsibilities are governed by the responsibilities of the community, family, and government. Based on these relationships, the relationship is always enhanced. But something is seen. Changes in nature, goals, and methods of teaching relationships. On the other hand, the community also demands the change in education. In Indonesia, the relationship between schools and the community has been established. This is good progress.Therefore, Husemas is a process of communication between schools and the community to increase community understanding of educational needs and activities and encourage community interest and cooperation in school improvement and development.


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