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What Do We Know About Contracting Out in the United States? Evidence from Household and Establishment Surveys

In: Labor in the New Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew Dey
  • Susan Houseman
  • Anne Polivka

Abstract

A variety of evidence points to significant growth in domestic contracting out over the last two decades, yet the phenomenon is not well documented. In this paper, we pull together data from various sources to shed light on the extent of and trends in domestic outsourcing, the occupations in which it has grown, and the industries engaging in outsourcing for the employment services sector, which has been a particularly important area of domestic outsourcing. In addition, we examine evidence of contracting out of selected occupations to other sectors. We point to many gaps in our knowledge on trends in domestic outsourcing and its implications for employment patterns and to inconsistencies across data sets in the information that is available. We recommend steps to improve data in this area.
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Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Dey & Susan Houseman & Anne Polivka, 2010. "What Do We Know About Contracting Out in the United States? Evidence from Household and Establishment Surveys," NBER Chapters,in: Labor in the New Economy, pages 267-304 National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberch:10824
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    16. George A. Erickcek & Susan N. Houseman & Arne L. Kalleberg, 2003. "The Effects of Temporary Services and Contracting Out on Low-Skilled Workers: Evidence from Auto Suppliers, Hospitals, and Public Schools," Book chapters authored by Upjohn Institute researchers,in: Eileen Appelbaum & Annette Bernhardt & Richard J. Murnane (ed.), Low-Wage America: How Employers Are Reshaping Opportunity in the Workplace, pages 368-403 W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
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    19. Matthew Dey & Susan Houseman & Anne Polivka, 2006. "Manufacturers' Outsourcing to Employment Services," Upjohn Working Papers and Journal Articles 07-132, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zimmerman, Paul R., 2010. "Deterrence from self-protection measures in the ‘market model’ of crime: dynamic panel data estimates from employment in private security occupations," MPRA Paper 26187, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Elizabeth Weber Handwerker & James R. Spletzer, 2015. "The Role of Establishments and the Concentration of Occupations in Wage Inequality," Working Papers 15-26, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    3. Elizabeth Weber Handwerker & James R. Spletzer, 2016. "The Role of Establishments and the Concentration of Occupations in Wage Inequality," Research in Labor Economics,in: Inequality: Causes and Consequences, volume 43, pages 167-193 Emerald Publishing Ltd.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • L84 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Personal, Professional, and Business Services
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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