Modern Labor Economics

Author: Song Peilin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Labor economics is one of the most dynamic fields in modern economics, not only because the subjects it studies are highly important, but also because the theories involved are complex and diverse. Like economics itself, many propositions in labor economics are being rapidly revised and expanded. The main task of modern labor economics is to understand the various complex phenomena in the labor market, analyze and reveal the mechanisms by which labor supply, labor demand, and wage and employment determination mechanisms affect the allocation of labor resources. In short, modern labor economics is a science that studies labor market phenomena and their laws of movement. Based on a logical arrangement from micro to macro, from abstract to concrete, and from general to specific, this book systematically elaborates on the basic categories, principles, and methods of labor economics. The writing aims to achieve theoretical depth, systematic structure, and practical applicability. The book is divided into five parts and twelve chapters. Part I is the introduction, which is Chapter 1. In this chapter, we briefly discuss the formation and development of labor economics, as well as its research objects and methods in modern labor economics, with the aim of giving readers a preliminary understanding of the book's framework and the outline of labor economics. Part II consists of Chapters 2 to 6, with the main content being a microeconomic analysis of labor market phenomena based on supply and demand, focusing on wage rates or wage rates and their related factors. In this part, we first discuss the determination of labor supply and labor demand, and then explore issues of labor market equilibrium and disequilibrium. Part III includes Chapters 7 to 9, which further discusses specialized topics in the labor market, such as human capital and its investment, wage theory, and trade unions and labor relations, building on the previous content. Part IV consists of Chapters 10 and 11, which belong to the macroeconomic and institutional analysis of labor economics, primarily discussing employment, unemployment, their relationship with macroeconomic changes, and the macroeconomic regulation of the labor market by the government. Part V is Chapter 12, where we selectively introduce several cutting-edge issues in the field of modern labor economics. Additionally, we have written learning objectives and chapter guides before each chapter, as well as a certain number of review and reflection questions at the end of each chapter, to facilitate readers' learning and mastery of the relevant content. This book is written for students of economics and management majors in ordinary universities and colleges, primarily as a teaching material for undergraduate courses, but can also be used as a reading book for postgraduate students in related fields. When arranging undergraduate teaching content, teachers can selectively omit parts of the book marked with an asterisk or use them as self-study material based on professional requirements and class hours. However, postgraduate students should strengthen their study of the parts marked with an asterisk. Furthermore, teachers can assign appropriate supplementary reading materials to students based on relevant teaching content.