Labor markets and social security : wage costs, social security financing, and labor market reforms in Europe

Facing the globalization of economic relations and the challenge of NICs and eastern Europe, employment in most EU countries has stagnated. The focus here is upon labor market rules, unemployment dynamics, structural change and aspects of the social security system. Theoretical and empirical aspects as well as policy issues are discussed. Also addressed are matters related to monetary union that could compound labor market problems. Options for reforming labor markets and social security systems are considered throughout. Front Matter....Pages I-IX Introduction....Pages 1-15 Structural Unemployment in Europe: A Bird’s-Eye View....Pages 17-48 Alternative Subsidies for Low-Wage Employment....Pages 49-73 Job Security and Employment: A Comparative Analysis....Pages 75-90 Sectoral Employment Elasticities in Germany....Pages 91-127 New Firms and Creating Employment....Pages 129-170 Job Creation in the European Information Society....Pages 171-194 Maastricht — Implications of a Centralized Monetary and Currency Policy for Employment in Europe....Pages 195-250 Towards Full Employment and Growth in the European Union....Pages 251-314 Employment and Wage Effects of Social Security Financing — An Empirical Analysis of the West German Experience and some Policy Simulations....Pages 315-348 Social Security Reforms in Europe....Pages 349-370 Long-Term Aspects of Social Security Financing in Germany....Pages 371-382 Back Matter....Pages 383-405