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Narratives, myths and prejudice in understanding employment systems: The case of rigidities, dismissals and flexibility in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Jesús Fernández Rodríguez

    (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain)

  • Miguel Martínez Lucio

    (University of Manchester, UK)

Abstract

This contribution is intended to understand the complex issues that underpin the debate on ‘free labour markets’ and job dismissal that has become very important in the context of the current economic crisis. Irrespective of economic debates and their nuances, the article focuses on the way related debates are shaped and how discussions about industrial relations, the labour market and even the economy are structured. The article discusses this in the context of Spain, where the debate has become a touchstone of national concern and external images of the country. In the case of Spanish industrial relations, the free dismissal discourse has been and still is vital for defining the way policy is prescribed, constructed and constrained.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Jesús Fernández Rodríguez & Miguel Martínez Lucio, 2013. "Narratives, myths and prejudice in understanding employment systems: The case of rigidities, dismissals and flexibility in Spain," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 34(2), pages 313-336, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:34:y:2013:i:2:p:313-336
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X12445625
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ton Wilthagen & Frank Tros, 2004. "The concept of ‘flexicurity’: a new approach to regulating employment and labour markets," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 10(2), pages 166-186, May.
    2. Samuel Bentolila & Juan J. Dolado, 1994. "Labour Flexibility and Wages: Lessons from Spain," Working Papers wp1994_9406, CEMFI.
    3. Ana R. de Lamo & Juan J. Dolado, 1993. "Un modelo del mercado de trabajo y la restricción de oferta en la economía española," Investigaciones Economicas, Fundación SEPI, vol. 17(1), pages 87-118, January.
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    5. Miguel Malo & Joaquín Pérez, 2003. "Individual Dismissals in Europe and the United States: A Model on the Influence of the Legal Framework on Firing Costs," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 47-63, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jason Heyes & Paul Lewis, 2014. "Employment protection under fire: Labour market deregulation and employment in the European Union," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 35(4), pages 587-607, November.
    2. Vicente Roca-Puig & Inmaculada Beltrán-Martín & Mercedes Segarra-Ciprés, 2015. "Temporary contracts and manufacturing firms’ outcomes in Spain: A curvilinear examination," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 36(1), pages 23-49, February.

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