In Defence of Labour Market Institutions: Cultivating Justice in the Developing World

Labour market institutions have been blamed for the poor economic performance of many developing countries. Based on theoretical and empirical evidence, an interdisciplinary group of researchers demonstrate that the evidence on which this argument rests is weak. The volume provides an understanding of why formal labour market regulations and policies were implemented in developing countries and how informal values and norms also influence the workings of the labour market. It also analyses the economic effect that these institutions can have while shedding light on conceptual and methodological questions that have plagued the debate.

This volume counters the prevailing view that labour market institutions are equated with labour market rigidity, and offers economic and social reasons for maintaining certain policies and standards, differentiating between the needs and challenges of countries with varying levels of income.