The Labour Market Myth: How the Market Metaphor Hinders Our Understanding of Work (The Future of Work and Employment series)

In this incisive book, Paul de Beer interrogates the concept of the labour market and its theoretical shortcomings in treating labour as a commodity. He argues that to offer people a real chance of a satisfactory work life, the idea of the labour market must be replaced with a focus on long-term employment relationships.

The Labour Market Myth thoroughly critiques the standard economic approach to employment markets, highlighting how it fails to explain the most pressing problems regarding work and income. Presenting empirical data on diverse aspects of work across a range of affluent countries, De Beer explores issues such as wage differences, long-term unemployment, discrimination against particular groups, and a misplaced emphasis on short-term flexibility and mobility. Ultimately, De Beer advocates for an understanding of employment built upon concepts of intrinsic motivation, cooperation, stability, and long-term relationships, rather than financial incentives and competition.

Combining insights from across the social sciences, The Labour Market Myth is a fascinating read for postgraduate students and scholars of labour economics and policy, as well as the sociology of work. It also offers fresh perspectives for those involved in labour relations, such as policy advisors, civil servants, and trade union officials.

Paul de Beer, Professor of Industrial Relations, AIAS-HSI, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands