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Workforce Segmentation in Germany: From the Founding Era to the Present Time

Author

Listed:
  • Eichhorst, Werner

    (IZA)

  • Kendzia, Michael Jan

    (Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW))

Abstract
Despite a more recent debate about ever deeper segmentation, we argue that since industrialization, Germany has continually experienced a dual labor market. One segment contains the primary segment of better paid and more attractive jobs, while the secondary segment encompasses rather low paid, less stable and less attractive jobs. It has been argued that this dualization is the result of firms which are likely to hire full-time and long-term workforce for its core activities performed by the core workforce while relying on more flexible forms of employment for other activities. Based on an in-depth examination of the structure of the workforce since the founding of the German state, this paper seeks to explore the factors which account for the origin, evolution and the peculiarities of the country's core workforce. It will be shown that a non-negligible part of the working population has always been subjected to marginalization, but that the dividing line between the two segments has changed over time as has the character of the respective groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Eichhorst, Werner & Kendzia, Michael Jan, 2014. "Workforce Segmentation in Germany: From the Founding Era to the Present Time," IZA Discussion Papers 8648, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8648
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Jerzy Kaźmierczyk & Jerzy Kaźmierczyk & Aleksandra Chinalska, 2018. "Flexible forms of employment, an opportunity or a curse for the modern economy? Case study: banks in Poland," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 6(2), pages 782-798, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    industrialization; workforce segmentation; peripheral workforce; core workforce;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-
    • J42 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Monopsony; Segmented Labor Markets

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