Handbook of Labor Economics Volume 3 : Volume 3A (Handbook of Labor Economics)

The Handbook brings together a systematic review of the research topics, empirical findings, and methods that comprise modern labor economics. It serves as an introduction to what has been done in this field, while at the same time indicating possible future trends which will be important in both spheres of public and private decision-making. Modern labor economics has continued to grow and develop since the first volumes of this Handbook were published. The subject matter of labor economics continues to have at its core an attempt to systematically find empirical analyses that are consistent with a systematic and parsimonious theoretical understanding of the diverse phenomenon that make up the labor market. As before, many of these analyses are provocative and controversial because they are so directly relevant to both public policy and private decision making. In many ways the modern development in the field of labor economics continues to set the standards for the best work in applied economics.

This volume of the Handbook has a notable representation of authors - and topics of importance - from throughout the world. Examines labour supply and demand and their impact on the wage structure. Explains the sources of income inequality, and the disincentive effects of attempts to produce a more equal distribution. Labour supply is considered in relation to the incentives which individuals have to provide labour services. Observes that heterogeneity in worker skills and employer demands often tempers the outcomes that would be expected in frictionless labour markets