This course investigates the determination of labour market outcomes (wages and employment) and discusses why and how differences across individuals may occur. In the beginning of the course we develop the basic analytical tools necessary for understanding wage and employment formation, and discuss what makes the labour market an important and a special type of market. After this, the basic models are extended to analyse how and why labour market outcomes differ across groups and over time, in particular in terms of the increased inequality of wages and the convergence of male and female market outcomes. Throughout the course, practical examples are used to highlight the applicability of labour economics to current issues and policies.
The aim of the course is to apply economic analysis to the determination of wages and employment. Emphasis is placed both on the acquisition of analytical tools and on knowledge of how labour markets have changed in recent years. By the end of the course students should be able to use economic analysis to understand the reasons for and significance of recent trends in the labour market and to evaluate particular policy interventions. Students will demonstrate their written communication skills in completing the term paper for the course.
The aim of the course is to apply economic analysis to the determination of wages and employment. Emphasis is placed both on the acquisition of analytical tools and on knowledge of how labour markets have changed in recent years. By the end of the course students should be able to use economic analysis to understand the reasons for and significance of recent trends in the labour market and to evaluate particular policy interventions. Students will demonstrate their written communication skills in completing the term paper for the course.