Evidence-based policy making
IZA World of Labor is an online platform that provides policy analysts, journalists, academics and society generally with relevant and concise information on labor market issues. Based on the latest research, it provides current thinking on labor markets worldwide in a clear and accessible style. IZA World of Labor aims to support evidence-based policy making and increase awareness of labor market issues, including current concerns like the impact of Covid-19, and longer-term problems like inequality.
View our content on Covid-19—Pandemics and the labor market
Human capital effects of marriage payments
Investing in female human capital can reduce brideprice and dowry practices and increase welfare
Payments at the time of marriage, which are ubiquitous in developing countries, can be substantial enough to impoverish parents. Brideprice and dowry have both been linked to domestic violence against women, and inflation in these payments has prompted legislation against them in several jurisdictions. Marriage payments are often a substitute for investment in female human capital, so from a welfare and policy perspective, they should be prohibited. This highlights the importance of promoting direct economic returns over legal and customary rights.
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- Migration and ethnicity
- Labor markets and institutions
- Education and human capital
- Country labor markets
The labor market in New Zealand, 2000−2021 Updated
Employment has grown steadily, unemployment is low, and the gender gap and skill premiums have fallen
David C. Maré , August 2022New Zealand is a small open economy, with large international labor flows and skilled immigrants. After the global financial crisis (GFC) employment took four years to recover, while unemployment took more than a decade to return to pre-crisis levels. Māori, Pasifika, and young workers were worst affected. The Covid-19 pandemic saw employment decline and unemployment rise but this was reversed within a few quarters. However, the long-term impact of the pandemic remains uncertain.MoreLess -
Demographic and economic determinants of migration Updated
Push and pull factors drive the decision to stay or move
Nicole B. Simpson , July 2022There are a myriad of economic and non-economic forces behind the decision to migrate. Migrants can be “pushed” out of their home countries due to deteriorating economic conditions or political unrest. Conversely, migrants are often “pulled” into destinations that offer high wages, good health care, strong educational systems, or linguistic proximity. In making their decision, individuals compare the net benefits of migration to the costs. By better understanding what forces affect specific migrant flows (e.g. demographic characteristics, migrant networks, and economic conditions), policymakers can set policy to target (or reduce) certain types of migrants.MoreLess -
The gender gap in time allocation
Gender inequalities in daily time allocation may have detrimental effects on earnings and well-being
Jose Ignacio Gimenez-NadalJose Alberto Molina , July 2022Many countries experience gender differences, of various magnitudes, in the time devoted to paid work (e.g. market work time) and unpaid work (e.g. housework and childcare). Since household responsibilities influence the participation of women, especially mothers, in the labor market, the unequal sharing of unpaid work, with women bearing the brunt of housework and childcare, is one of the main drivers of gender inequality in the labor market. Understanding the factors behind these gender inequalities is crucial for constructing policies aimed at promoting gender equality and combating gender-based discrimination.MoreLess -
Parental leave and maternal labor supply Updated
Parental leave increases the family–work balance, but prolonged leave may have negative impacts on mothers’ careers
Astrid Kunze , June 2022Numerous studies have investigated whether the provision and generosity of parental leave affects the employment and career prospects of women. Parental leave systems typically provide either short unpaid leave mandated by the firm, as in the US, or more generous and universal leave mandated by the government, as in Canada and several European countries. Key economic policy questions include whether, at the macro level, female employment rates have increased due to parental leave policies; and, at the micro level, whether the probability of returning to work and career prospects have increased for mothers after childbirth.MoreLess
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Aug 09, 2022
Kenya goes to the polls; UK’s over 50s quitting the workforce, causing inflation
Today’s global news summary brings news affecting the Kenya, the UK, and Europe and discusses issues as diverse as elections, labor market tightening, and the climate crisis. -
Aug 02, 2022
Hong Kong falls into recession; Australia faces teacher shortage
Today’s global news summary brings news affecting Hong Kong, Australia, and the globe and discusses issues as diverse as recession, teacher shortage, and happiness. -
Jul 26, 2022
A quarter of America’s young adults still live with their family; Australian NRL players boycott gay pride jersey
Today’s global news summary brings news affecting the US and Australia, and discusses issues as diverse as living arrangements, homophobia, and unionization. -
Jul 19, 2022
Europe struggles with extreme heat; UK to host a “drone superhighway”
Today’s global news summary brings news affecting Europe, the UK, and Mexico and the US, and discusses issues as diverse as the climate emergency, drones, and border enforcement. -
Jul 12, 2022
The war in Ukraine worsens food insecurity; Heatwaves and what they mean for the population
Today’s global news summary brings news from Ukraine, the UK, and Italy and discusses issues as diverse as the rise of food prices, extreme temperatures, and migrants and refugees. -
Jul 05, 2022
The climate crisis in Bangladesh is accelerating; Germany reveals first 5 years of same-sex marriage
Today’s global news summary brings news from Bangladesh, Germany, and the UK and discusses issues as diverse as the climate crisis, same-sex marriage, and the rise of food prices. -
Jun 21, 2022
Japanese court dismisses case arguing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional; US tech firms worried about H-1B kids “aging out”
Today’s global news summary brings news affecting Japan, the US, and the UK, and discusses issues as diverse as same-sex marriage, migration, and the cost of living crisis.
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Sep 16, 2022 - Sep 17, 2022
5th IDSC of IZA Workshop: Matching Workers and Jobs Online - New Developments and Opportunities for Social Science and Practice
Online
Like many forms of economic exchange, the process of matching workers to jobs has rapidly migrated online in the last two decades. Thus, understanding how online labor matching mechanisms work; how they affect economic outcomes like employment, wages and inequality; and learning how to take advantages of the ‘big data’ that are generated by online markets all have important implications for the future of labor.
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Sep 22, 2022 - Sep 23, 2022
IZA Workshop on Labor Market Institutions
Online
The aim of the meeting is to bring together senior and junior researchers to discuss their most recent research related to labor market institutions.
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Sep 26, 2022
2nd IZA Workshop: Climate Change and Human Wellbeing
Online
In addition to causing damages to the environment and human health, climate change as well as adaptation to global warming pose challenges for the functioning of society and of labor markets. In particular, this raises questions about the implications of climate change for a range of wellbeing and labor market outcomes, among others health, income, happiness, productivity, human capital formation, migration decisions, and much else.
IZA World of Labor discussion on measuring poverty with Bruce D. Meyer
IZA World of Labor panel discussion on environment and health
IZA World of Labor panel discussion on gender and family issues
IZA World of Labor panel discussion on migration issues
Panel discussion on the impact of Covid-19 and today's labor market in Europe and the U.S.
IZA World of Labor Panel discussion on inequality, unemployment, wage setting and inflation
Has the willingness to work fallen during the Covid pandemic?
The recent push toward unionization in the US
Religious diversity improves trust and performance