ABSTRACT

How have modern labour markets developed? Both labour economists and economic historians agree that it is necessary to look at labour markets in their historical context. Labour Market Evolution does just this.
The contributors examine the operation and development of labour markets in Western Europe and North America since 1500. They address the key questions in this complicated process using new quantitative evidence. First, how closely connected were geographically distant labour markets? Second, how flexible were markets in the past - did wages change in response to demand shocks? Did workers move across space and occupations in response to cyclical or seasonal conditions. Third, were relationships between employees and employers short-term or long-term? Why did relationships change, and what were the implications for the flexibility and integration of markets? In examining these factors, this volume draws on modern labour economic theory and up-to-date quantitative techniques to show how current traditions and systems have evolved.

chapter 2|12 pages

Bridging the Gap Between Labour Economics and Economic History

A labour economist's perspective

chapter 4|20 pages

The Dis-Integration of Traditional Labour Markets in France

From agriculture and industry to agriculture or industry

chapter 7|22 pages

Did Labour Flow Uphill?

International migration and wage rates in twentieth century Ireland

chapter 10|20 pages

The Great War and the Canadian Labour Market

Railway workers 1903–39

chapter 11|20 pages

Wage Woes in Weimar?

A partial investigation

chapter 12|25 pages

Wage Behaviour in Inter-War Britain

A sceptical enquiry