As background to a series of articles on the effects of disarmament on employment, the author assesses the present importance of armaments industries in the world economy, including the number of people directly or indirectly employed in military equipment production and services. He also discusses employment problems posed by disarmament.…

Gives an historical overview of the role and value of work from economic, philosophical, and legal perspectives. Stresses the need to humanize current globalization and technological trends in order to achieve the fundamental principle of the right to work and the objective of full employment. (SK)

Reduction in defense expenditure may also result in reduced technological research effort. Some 10 million workers in manufacturing worldwide are dependent on military orders. Much depends on switching production to civilian markets or a transition from manufacturing to services. (SK)

In the Federal Republic of Germany, temporary employment has been extensively regulated, whereas the British government has been more permissive. Despite differences in legislation, the level, distribution, and characteristics of temporary employment and workers are very similar. The number of temporary jobs has not grown as expected. (Author/SK)

Examines the implications for the Brazilian labor force of automation and flexible organizational techniques. Focuses on employment levels, changing skills profiles, and the capacity to meet new requirements. Identifies central characteristics of the new knowledge base required of workers and the implications for training. (JOW)

Analysis of occupational structures in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States shows divergent paths toward postindustrial society, with different forms of knowledge-based production (service-economy and info-industrial) that reflect cultural and institutional diversity. (SK)

Data indicate that women's experience in the labor market is substantially different from men's. Women work in different sectors for fewer hours; women have lower rates of education and literacy; and women are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, or outside the labor force. (JOW)

Repercussions of recent economic difficulties on job content, employment levels, structure of the work force, and industrial relations are examined. The effect of new technologies on these areas is discussed. (Author/CT)

Reviews the research on the effects of new technologies on employment, work, and society. Indicates that advanced technologies can reduce the cost and improve the quality and range of goods and services and can raise employment levels. Care must be taken to ensure that certain groups do not suffer disproportionately from labor force adjustments.…

Review of statistical data confirms worldwide trends: growth in services, decline in agriculture, and, in manufacturing, decline in industrialized economies but growth in developing ones. Although services are characterized by low productivity growth, certain types (such as research and development) exert positive influence on economic growth. (SK)

Recognizing that comprehensive labor force information is vital to the development of employment policy, the International Labour Organisation instituted a series of experiments to test the use of key informants at local levels to collect the information. The success of the approach requires international cooperation in providing technical…

Despite concerns that globalization will increase unemployment and wage inequality, drive down wages and labor standards, and threaten national policy autonomy, it is clear that national policies still determine employment levels and labor standards. However, the need to protect those damaged by globalization still exists. (SK)

A comparison of the incidence of atypical employment in 11 European countries shows that high rates of part-time employment mitigate unemployment, but high proportions of temporary employment seem to coincide with high unemployment. (JOW)

Examines the reasons for part-time work and characteristics of part-time workers, legislative protection, national incentives to increase access to part-time jobs, and forms of part-time work. Explores arguments for and against part-time employment. (SK)

Surveys of 900 manufacturers in Hungary and Bulgaria show that transition to a market economy is (1) marginalizing women, affected by segregation, layoff risk, and discrimination; (2) diminishing labor market role of older workers; and (3) increasing difficulties faced by youth seeking employment, whose skills do not match new employment needs.…