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Comment lutter contre le chômage lorsque les travailleurs sont hétérogènes?

Author

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  • Yves Zenou

    (ERMES, Université Panthéon-Assas)

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a different explanation of unemployment based on both workers' and firms' heterogeneity in the labor market. Indeed, even though workers have the same general human capital level, they differ in their ability of learning a specific technology whereas firms are heterogeneous in their job requirement. In this framework, we show that unemployment is due to both job mismatch and uncertain fluctuations of product prices. We then contemplate different policies aiming at reducing unemployment: reducing unemployment benefits, establishing a minimum wage, subsidizing specific training. Dans cet article, nous proposons une explication différente du chômage fondée sur l’introduction explicite de l’hétérogénéité de la main-d’oeuvre et des entreprises sur le marché du travail. Le chômage est dû ici à la fois à un problème d’appariement entre le niveau exigé par les entreprises en terme de qualification et celui des individus, et aux fluctuations incertaines de la demande des produits. Dans ce contexte, nous tentons d’évaluer les différentes politiques qui permettent de réduire le chômage : allocations chômage, salaire minimum, subvention de la formation professionnelle.

Suggested Citation

  • Yves Zenou, 1999. "Comment lutter contre le chômage lorsque les travailleurs sont hétérogènes?," L'Actualité Economique, Société Canadienne de Science Economique, vol. 75(1), pages 519-536.
  • Handle: RePEc:ris:actuec:v:75:y:1999:i:1:p:519-536
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    References listed on IDEAS

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