Course 2007-2008 a.y.

Go to class group/s: 31

CLEA (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLAPI (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLEFIN (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLELI (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLEACC (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - DES (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLEMIT (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - DIEM (6 credits - II sem. - RR) - CLSG (6 credits - II sem. - AI)

Course Director:
TITO MICHELE BOERI

Course Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide the basic analytical tools which allow students to understand the role played by different institutions in shaping the labour market. The course highlights the redistributive effects of institutions operating in imperfect labour markets, i.e. which are subject to market failures. The course also takes into account that institutions rarely operate in isolation. This provides three reasons for the existence of institutions:

• remedying market failures, 
• achieving some redistributive goals,
• remedying potential negative side effects of other institutions.

From a positive standpoint, the effects of each institution on the labour market are investigated by considering not only their direct effects on employment, unemployment and wages, but also their indirect effects, that is, the effects which are mediated by the presence of other institutions. Much attention is placed on precisely defining institutions and measuring them along their relevant dimensions, (e.g. eligibility for unemployment benefits, level of the benefits, maximum duration for which they can be provided etc.) since accuracy in describing the way in which the institution operates and the goals it pursues is essential in characterizing its effects on the labour market. Statistical information on the evolution over time of these institutions is also provided, whenever possible, for all OECD Countries. Contrary to received wisdom, there have been considerable variations in these institutions over time.

Course Content Summary

• Labour markets institutions and globalization: an overview
• Minimum Wages
• Trade unions and Collective Bargaining Institutions
• Payroll taxes
• Regulation of working hours 
• Retirement rules and labour market
• Family policies and women at work
• Education and training
• Migration policies
• Employment protection legislation
• Unemployment benefits
• Actives labour market policies and activation
• Institutional interactions

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Written exam.

Textbooks

The course is based on  T. Boeri and  J. van Ours, Labor Markets, Policies and Institutions, forthcoming, Princeton University Press. Draft chapters will be circulated to the students attending the course. Each chapter contains references to background readings useful for those planning to write their final work on a particular institution.
A powerpoint presentation will also be provided at the end of each lecture.
For further and continuously updated information consult the IEP web site or
contact S.I.D. - Servizio Informazioni Didattica - Institute of Economics -
via Gobbi, 5 - Room 313.

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Last change 31/05/2007 18:21