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Job creation in Latin America in the 1990s: the foundation for social policy

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  • Weller, Jürgen
  • Stallings, Barbara

Abstract

Summary This paper analyzes labor market trends in Latin America and the Caribbean in the 1990s, arguing that employment must be the foundation of a social policy strategy for the region. The paper begins with a discussion of the expectations for labor market performance that were generated by the reform process in the region. It then provides an overview of what actually happened with respect to participation rates, employment generation, unemployment and wages. It also suggests some reasons why reality was less positive than was expected. Next it examines a new hypothesis about the differential performance of labor markets in the northern and southern subregions. Finally, on the basis of evidence to support the hypothesis, it makes policy recommendations for subregion-specific steps to increase job creation as well as policies relevant for the region as a whole.

Suggested Citation

  • Weller, Jürgen & Stallings, Barbara, 2001. "Job creation in Latin America in the 1990s: the foundation for social policy," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5405, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    • Handle: RePEc:ecr:col037:5405
    Note: Includes bibliography
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Katz, Jorge, 2000. "Reformas estructurales, productividad y conducta tecnológica en América Latina," Copublicaciones, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), number 1656 edited by Cepal.
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    9. Montiel Masís, Nancy, 1999. "Costa Rica: reformas económicas, sectores dinámicos y calidad de los empleos," Series Históricas 7474, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    10. -, 1997. "The equity gap: Latin America, the Caribbean and the Social Summit," Libros de la CEPAL, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), number 37854 edited by Eclac.
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    Cited by:

    1. Solimano, Andrés, 2006. "Asset accumulation by the middle class and the poor in Latin America: political economy and governance dimensions," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5422, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    2. Cimoli, Mario & Correa, Nelson & Katz, Jorge & Studart, Rogério, 2003. "Institutional requirements for market-led development in Latin America," Series Históricas 7792, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    3. Watts, Nathalie & Solimano, Andrés, 2005. "International migration, capital flows and the global economy: a long run view," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5400, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    4. Gutiérrez, Mario A. & Solimano, Andrés, 2006. "Savings, investment and growth in the global age: analytical and policy issues," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5419, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    5. Schrank, Andrew, 2008. "Export Processing Zones in the Dominican Republic: Schools or Stopgaps?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 36(8), pages 1381-1397, August.
    6. Solimano, Andrés & Soto, Raimundo, 2005. "Economic growth in Latin America in the late 20th century: evidence and interpretation," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5398, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    7. Solimano, Andrés, 2006. "The international mobility of talent and its impact on global development: an overview," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5418, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    8. Solimano, Andrés, 2004. "Political violence and economic development in Latin America: issues and evidence," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5395, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    9. Gutiérrez, Mario A., 2007. "Economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean: growth transitions rather than steady states," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5425, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).

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