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The Impact of International Labor Standards: A Survey of Economic Theory

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Author Info
Nirvikar Singh (University of California, Santa Cruz)

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Abstract

The main question guiding this study is whether international labor standards will benefit the poor, in particular, developing countries and the poor in those countries. We survey the theoretical literature on international labor standards, and give an overview of the analytical framework and main arguments provided in this literature. Among the situations in which a case for labor standards may arise are imperfections in labor markets, market power effects in international trade, and concerns that consumers, or individuals in general, may have about the working conditions or rights that other individuals enjoy. We emphasize the importance of making clear the value judgments being used, and discuss the different institutional issues that may arise in considering the implementation of labor standards. In general, while there are contexts in which promoting labor standards through some form of collective action is beneficial, we argue that such policies ought to be incorporated into a broader perspective on well-being, and a package of policies that can promote the well-being of the poor.

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Paper provided by EconWPA in its series International Trade with number 0412007.

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Length: 95 pages
Date of creation: 08 Dec 2004
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Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpit:0412007

Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 95
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Find related papers by JEL classification:
F1 - International Economics - - Trade
F2 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business

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References listed on IDEAS
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Cited by:
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  1. Weichselbaumer, Doris & Winter-Ebmer, Rudolf, 2003. "The Effects of Competition and Equal Treatment Laws on the Gender Wage Differential," CEPR Discussion Papers 4015, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  2. Basu, Kaushik, 2003. "Policy Dilemmas for Controlling Child Labor," Working Papers 03-11, Cornell University, Center for Analytic Economics. [Downloadable!]
  3. Chris Manning, 2004. "Legislating for Labour Protection: Betting on the Weak or the Strong?," Departmental Working Papers 2004-08, Australian National University, Economics RSPAS. [Downloadable!]
  4. Drusilla K. Brown & Alan V. Deardorff & Robert M. Stern, 2001. "Labor Standards: Where Do They Belong on the International Trade Agenda?," Discussion Papers Series, Department of Economics, Tufts University 0113, Department of Economics, Tufts University. [Downloadable!]
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