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Commentary

Watch exclusive video from conferences, debates and other events on labor market economics as well as reading the latest opinion pieces from IZA World of Labor authors.

March 05, 2018

Sher Verick

Should policymakers worry about a declining female labor force participation rate?

Policymakers should worry about gender disparities in female labor force participations rates, not just a declining trend.
February 26, 2018

Eliana Viviano

The importance of appropriate tools for evaluating labor market reforms: The case of Italy

One of the most hotly debated issues of the current Italian electoral campaign concerns the so-called Jobs Act.
February 12, 2018

Beyza Ural Marchand

Does an increase in imports improve the well-being of poorer individuals?

A disproportionate focus on wages and employment may present a picture of international trade that is not representative of the total costs and benefits.
January 18, 2018

Jo Blanden

Why does poverty persist across the generations?

The extent to which advantage and disadvantage persist across society is a vital element of the shape of society, its vibrancy, and its success.

Women at Work Around the World

Female labor force participation is mainly driven by the value of women’s market wages versus the value of their non-market time. While women’s labor force participation has risen in many countries, rates remain quite low in some countries and regions.
Minimum wages, austerity and debt

2013 IZA prizewinner, Daniel Hamermesh, discusses topical economic issues, including minimum wage, and austerity. See his IZA World of Labor article where he examines how labor costs affect companies' demand for labor.
The importance of labor supply and the role of public policy

Richard Blundell, of University College London and IZA, explains the importance of labor supply and the role that public policy plays. His IZA World of Labor article specifically looks at the role of tax policy.