Zum Aufstieg und Niedergang des Normalarbeitsverhältnisses in Deutschland 1800–2010. Ein ForschungsprojektThe Rise and Fall of the Standard Employment Contract in Germany. 1800–2010

Abstract

This paper attempts to trace the construction of the standard employment contract in Germany from the beginning of the 19th century onwards. In 20th century Germany, it was reinforced alongside with the consolidation of the welfare state and developed into the modern concept of the standard employment contract. Due to globalization forces and dynamics of capitalist market economies, the standard employment contract has turned into an obstacle in the way of modern economy’s progress. The future might be determined by increasing work flexibility, rising working hours, falling income and increasing unemployment rates, rendering the standard employment contract anachronistic and obsolete.