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Alternative Theories of Wage Dispersion

In: Structural Models of Wage and Employment Dynamics

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  • Damien Gaumont
  • Martin Schindler
  • Randall Wright

Abstract

We analyze labor market models where the law of one price does not hold; i.e., models with equilibrium wage dispersion. We begin assuming workers are ex ante heterogeneous, and highlight a flaw with this approach: if search is costly, the market shuts down. We then assume workers are homogeneous but matches are ex post heterogeneous. This model is robust to search costs, and delivers equilibria equilibrium wage dispersion. However, we prove the law of two prices holds: generically we cannot get more than two wages. We explore several other models, including one combining ex ante and ex post heterogeneity; this model is robust, and can deliver more than two-point wage distributions.
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Suggested Citation

  • Damien Gaumont & Martin Schindler & Randall Wright, 2006. "Alternative Theories of Wage Dispersion," Contributions to Economic Analysis, in: Structural Models of Wage and Employment Dynamics, pages 61-82, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ceazzz:s0573-8555(05)75003-3
    DOI: 10.1016/S0573-8555(05)75003-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eckstein, Zvi & van den Berg, Gerard J., 2007. "Empirical labor search: A survey," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 136(2), pages 531-564, February.
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    5. Albrecht, James W & Jovanovic, Boyan, 1986. "The Efficiency of Search under Competition and Monopsony," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 94(6), pages 1246-1257, December.
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    20. Burdett, Kenneth & Mortensen, Dale T, 1998. "Wage Differentials, Employer Size, and Unemployment," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 39(2), pages 257-273, May.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J3 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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