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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 Info

Listed author(s):
  • 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.

(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

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This chapter was published in:
  • Katharine G. Abraham & James R. Spletzer & Michael Harper, 2010. "Labor in the New Economy," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number abra08-1, June.
    • This item is provided by National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc in its series NBER Chapters with number 10824.
    Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberch:10824
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    Find related papers by JEL classification:
    • J2 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor

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    17. Bartel, Ann P & Lach, Saul & Sicherman, Nachum, 2005. "Outsourcing and Technological Change," CEPR Discussion Papers 5082, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
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    19. 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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    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. James Spletzer & Elizabeth Weber Handwerker, 2015. "The Role of Establishments and the Concentration of Occupations in Wage Inequality," Working Papers id:7427, eSocialSciences.

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