Working Paper: NBER ID: w4087
Authors: William T. Dickens; Kevin Lang
Abstract: We argue that Labor Market Segmentation theory is a good alternative to standard views of the labor market. Since it is sometimes argued that labor market segmentation theory is untestable, we first consider the uses of theory and the attributes of a good theory. We then argue that labor market segmentation has these attributes. It is internally consistent and is based on plausible assumptions about behavior and technology. More significantly, many of the predictions of the theory have been tested and confirmed. Further, from a dynamic view the theory has done quite well. When the theory has suggested new tests, far more often than not the predictions have been validated. Labor market segmentation theory has had to make little recourse to post-hoc explanations for unexpected empirical results. In contrast, human capital theory has required a series of post-hoc rationalizations to explain a large and growing body of empirical work motivated by the labor market segmentation perspective. Finally, we consider the implications of labor market segmentation theory for the practice of labor economics. We argue that further exploration of the implications of the theory for unemployment, trade. industrial policy and income distribution will provide useful insights and further tests of the theory.
Keywords: Labor Market Segmentation; Human Capital Theory; Wage Determination; Employment Policies; Income Distribution
JEL Codes: J31; J41
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | human capital theory (J24) |
| labor market segmentation theory predictions (J42) | observed labor market phenomena (J49) |
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | wage determination (J31) |
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | employment policies (J68) |
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | unemployment (J64) |
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | trade (F19) |
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | industrial policy (O25) |
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | income distribution (D31) |
| labor market segmentation theory internal consistency (J42) | good theory attributes (C90) |
| labor market segmentation theory (J42) | need for post-hoc rationalizations (D91) |