Labour Market Inclusion Research Articles

An Analysis of The Determinants of Unemployment Rate in West Java

Unemployment is a social and economic issue that affects economic stability and is quite seriously faced by developing countries, especially Indonesia. This is influenced by various interrelated factors, including average length of schooling, investment, minimum wage. This research aims to analyze the influence of average length of schooling, investment, minimum wage, sector industry, and COVID-19 on the unemployment rate in West Java Province for the period 2010-2022. This research uses a quantitative research approach and secondary data types. The analysis technique used to determine the factors that influence the unemployment rate uses panel data regression. The research results show that the average length of schooling has a negative and significant influence, the sector industry and COVID-19 have a positive and significant influence. Meanwhile, investment and minimum wages have no influence on the unemployment rate in West Java Province. The implications of the findings in this research are that the government needs to support industrial growth so that it can achieve a more inclusive labor market and increase cooperation with the private sector, academics and society regarding more effective and targeted policy implementation.

Remittances and Economic Stability in El Salvador: Trends from 2000 to 2020

Remittances have emerged as a cornerstone of El Salvador’s economy, significantly contributing to household income, poverty reduction, and macroeconomic stability. Between 2000 and 2020, remittance inflows grew steadily, accounting for nearly 20% of GDP by 2020. This paper explores the historical trends and macroeconomic implications of remittances, emphasizing their role in addressing key economic challenges and fostering community investments in education, healthcare, and housing. However, the analysis also highlights potential risks of remittance dependence, including labor market distortions and vulnerability to external economic shocks. Policy recommendations focus on leveraging remittances for sustainable development while reducing reliance on external financial inflows through diversification and local economic strengthening.

Vocational training and employment as a tool for professional adaptation of war veterans

Practice has proven that professional training of war veterans is one of the tools of war veterans adaptation policy, formation of adaptation skills and return of ex-servicemen to peaceful life. The authors, raising this current topic, consider the problem of resocialization of veterans and their return to the labor market as a component of the policy of forming an inclusive labor market. With the goal of the research being the development of specific proposals and algorithms for improving the mechanisms of professional training of war veterans and their further employment, the authors analyzed the available foreign experience and bases of sociological surveys. The article examines theoretical aspects and approaches to the professional adaptation of war veterans to civilian life in modern conditions. The theoretical constructions of the study are considered, the characteristics of war veterans and combatants who are persons with disabilities are determined. The possibilities of their adaptation to civilian life in the absence of general demobilization are summarized. It has been proven that the main tool of professional adaptation of war veterans is professional training, but the effectiveness of such training is determined by further employment after its completion. Taking into account the analysis of the situation regarding the professional training of war veterans, which is conducted by the state employment service, the authors highlight the main problems of such training and further employment of this population category. Ignoring the problems of organization, legal regulation of professional training of war veterans and their further employment will have a negative impact on the veterans themselves, their families and society as a whole, which is confirmed by the experience of other countries that dealt with issues of adaptation of war veterans to civilian life. Ways to eliminate the problems and obstacles of professional training of war veterans and their employment for their effective adaptation to civilian life are proposed, including: on the basis of conducting a questionnaire of war veterans, determine their needs in rehabilitation, educational, social, medical services, employment services and professional training; conducting professional training of war veterans taking into account modern military and individual needs of war veterans and others.

The Hierarchy of Factors Important for Work Engagement in Different Types of Remote Working

The growing popularity of remote and hybrid work has changed the dynamics of how teams function and accomplish work tasks, creating opportunities to align work practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Remote work not only promotes labor market inclusion by eliminating barriers such as those of transportation but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with daily commuting. However, despite the advantages of remote work, researchers and practitioners point to the problem of unstable engagement among remote workers. This study examines the key factors influencing work engagement in remote and hybrid work models, looking at how these factors vary depending on the degree of remote work and the nature of the work. Based on a systematic review, 14 critical factors influencing engagement were identified, followed by the development of a questionnaire and the analysis of responses from 181 employees representing various remote work models. The results obtained in the survey indicate the universal importance that work–life balance, open access to organizational knowledge, and a personalized work environment have for building work engagement. At the same time, the extent of remote work, the form of employment, and team integration methods influence the importance of other factors, revealing differences between fully remote and hybrid employees. The findings underline that building effective strategies to foster engagement should be based on adapting the actions taken to specific work conditions.

STEM and International Trade in a Gender Perspective: The Cases of Brazil, Chile, and Mexico

The development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in Latin America plays a critical role in fostering technological progress and innovation, thereby enhancing economic growth and competitiveness through trade, which, in turn, stimulates investments in R&D. This study explores the influence of economic opportunities presented by international trade on the gender gap among STEM-trained professionals. The findings reveal that exports of high-value-added services contribute positively to the labour market inclusion of women. Despite this progress, gender segregation continues to be a major barrier to bridging the gender gap, indicating a persistent adherence to traditional gender roles.

Research on Factors Affecting the Career Choice Decision of High School Students in Thai Nguyen Province

This study evaluates factors influencing career choice decisions among high school students in Thai Nguyen province through statistical analysis. Results indicate that crucial factors affecting these decisions include labor market needs, career counseling, family influence, university factors, and personal preferences. Exploratory factor analysis identifies 5 significant factors, explaining 73.68% of data variance. Strong positive correlations are observed between career decisions and factors such as labor market needs, career counseling, family, university factors, and personal preferences. Additionally, a linear regression model predicts that labor market demand, career counseling, and university factors positively and significantly influence career choices, while personal and family influences show weaker correlations. Practical implications of this research include assisting educational institutions, families, and students in comprehending career decisions and formulating effective support strategies.

PASAR TENAGA KERJA INKLUSIF DAN PEKERJAAN AFIRMATIF UNTUK PENYANDANG DISABILITAS

<p class="abstrak"><em>An inclusive labour market emphasizes equal opportunities and fair treatment for all individuals, including persons with disabilities, with the aim of optimizing the potential of the workforce, increasing innovation, productivity, and economic growth. In Indonesia, inclusive policies have been implemented through various laws and regulations that support the rights of persons with disabilities to obtain decent work. Nonetheless, challenges in the form of discrimination and lack of supporting infrastructure are still significant. Disabled people's organizations (DPOs) play an important role in economic empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship. This training covers areas such as screen printing, electronics, computers and weaving, as well as social assistance for small businesses. The types of jobs available to people with disabilities include operators, customer service, telemarketing, teachers, and administration. Awareness and effective policies are needed to create a truly inclusive workplace in Indonesia. With sustained commitment from all parties, Indonesia can respect and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, ensure equal and fair access to employment opportunities, and harness their full potential for nation-building.</em></p>

Decent Work Agenda in Botswana: Strides and Challenges

The Decent Work Agenda (DWA) in Botswana provides a comprehensive framework designed to promote fair labour practices, enhance worker rights, and foster sustainable economic growth. This article analyses the progress achieved in executing the decent work agenda, focusing on enhancements in labour standards, gender equality and inclusion, and capacity building and training. Furthermore, it illustrates the ongoing challenges that delay progress, including elevated unemployment rates, informal employment, and migration and labour rights. The analysis utilises multiple policy recommendations, highlighting the necessity of reinforcing labour rights and protections, advancing skills development, and improving stakeholder involvement in policy formulation. Addressing these challenges and leveraging existing successes will enable Botswana to develop a more inclusive labour market that adheres to the principles of decent work, thereby enhancing the nation's long-term economic sustainability and social equity. The findings highlight the significance of a collaborative approach among government, civil society, and the private sector to effectively implement the decent work agenda, ensuring it yields measurable benefits for all workers in Botswana.

КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНІ ЗАСАДИ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІНКЛЮЗИВНОГО РИНКУ ПРАЦІ В УКРАЇНІ

Introduction. In the conditions of war, Ukraine faces numerous challenges that affect the socio-economic situation and the functioning of the labor market. At the same time, the formation of an inclusive labor market, which is able to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, including vulnerable groups of the population, which will contribute to social cohesion and economic stability of the country, becomes particularly relevant. This requires the formation of conceptual approaches to the creation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine, taking into account the peculiarities of wartime and the challenges facing the country. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the study is to determine the conceptual foundations of the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine in wartime conditions based on the identification of the main challenges for attracting vulnerable population groups to the labor market and the development of ways to overcome them in order to ensure the social and economic stability of the state. Methods. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive approach, which includes the analysis of scientific literature, regulatory and legal framework and statistical data. The research uses methods of comparative analysis to determine barriers in the labor market, a systematic approach to determine the conceptual foundations of inclusiveness, and a method of logical generalization to determine practical ways to solve the identified problems. Results. The article identifies the need for the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine in the conditions of war, when socio-economic instability affects access to employment for various population groups. The main barriers to the participation of vulnerable population groups in the labor market, including veterans, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, youth and women, have been identified. The analysis of the modern legal framework showed that there is currently a shortage of state support tools for their employment. The importance of cooperation between the state, business and the public sector to create equal employment opportunities has been proven. Conceptual approaches to the formation of an inclusive labor market are defined: implementation of professional retraining programs, development of social entrepreneurship and adaptation of workplaces. The need for the formation of a state policy aimed at ensuring equal access to the labor market for all population groups and strengthening the economic stability of Ukraine has been proven. Conclusions. The importance of the formation of an inclusive labor market in Ukraine as a key element of socio-economic stability in the conditions of war has been proven. The proposed conceptual principles ensure the expansion of opportunities for vulnerable population groups, the reduction of unemployment and the increase of social cohesion.

Health as predictor of unemployment. A population based study in Belgium

Abstract Background Health and employment are interrelated, but this can be both the result of social causation and health selection. Insights in the association between health and employment should be explored in different settings and countries because contextual factors may differ. In this study we investigate if at the Belgian population level, ill health leads to a higher risk of unemployment. Methods We used data from the Belgian health interview survey 2018 linked with administrative data from the compulsory health insurance including information on employment status in 2018 and 2019. The sample for this study consisted of people with a paid job, aged 18-64 year, with no record of having being unemployed in 2018 (n = 3769). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess if the risk of becoming unemployed in 2019 varied in function of the health status assessed in the 2018 survey. Results After adjustment for age, sex, education and social support, the risk of becoming unemployed was significantly higher for people with moderate to very bad self-rated health compared to those in good health (OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.34-5.67). Similarly, unemployment in the year following participation in the survey was significantly higher among people with activity limitations because of health problems (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.14-4.72). The higher the number of chronic diseases and conditions, the higher the risk of unemployment (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.13-1.53). Specific predictors of unemployment were a history of serious depression in the past 12 months (OR 4.47; 95% CI 1.85-10.80) and hypertension (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.08-6.00). Conclusions In Belgium, health problems are a risk factor of getting unemployed. Especially people with a history of serious depression in the past year have a higher risk to lose their job. The findings confirm the health selection of unemployment and the need for the labour market to invest in interventions to support people with health problems to keep or find a job. Key messages • As employment is a fundamental right, also for people with health problems, further efforts are needed to create an inclusive labour market, with also job opportunities for more vulnerable people. • To be able to understand better the link between health and unemployment at population level, longitudinal population data are needed including both dimensions.

Migration and Economic Development: The Role of Migrant Flows in Shaping Turkey’s Emerging Economy and Uncovering Hidden Conflicts and Challenges

This research examines the economic impact of migration on Turkey's emerging economy, with a particular focus on the contributions of migrant remittances, labor market dynamics, and the socio-political challenges associated with large-scale migrant flows. By employing econometric models and field research, the study explores the relationship between remittance inflows and key economic indicators such as GDP growth, employment rates, and poverty reduction. Additionally, the research uncovers hidden conflicts and social tensions that arise from migration, including labor market inequalities and integration challenges faced by both migrants and Turkish workers. The project evaluates government policies, such as the EU-Turkey refugee agreement, and their effects on economic development and social stability. Field research in migrant-receiving communities reveals the complexities of labor competition and the social dynamics created by migrant dependency in sectors such as agriculture and construction. Findings highlight the need for inclusive migration policies that balance the economic benefits of remittances with the social integration challenges faced by migrant populations. This study also advocates for stronger labor protections and regulatory reforms to mitigate tensions and reduce exploitation in low-wage sectors. The research contributes to the broader understanding of migration’s role in shaping Turkey’s economy and provides insights for policymakers seeking to address both the economic and social dimensions of migration.

The COVID-19 pandemic and methodological constraints: Autoethnographic and prefigurative responses

While sets of constraints have become normalised in research production, the COVID-19 pandemic mandated shifts in research ontologies, epistemologies and methodologies. The society-wide, real-time experiment of the pandemic lockdowns constructed a set of prefigurative counterfactual contexts in which alternative structures and processes came to be, albeit briefly, normalised. Two examples illustrate the risks and opportunities that emerged. Firstly, the turn to autoethnography and creative methods offers a methodological challenge to the minoritisation of certain voices within the academy. Secondly, and more substantively, pivots in response to lockdowns offered glimpses of labour market inclusion best practice through the prefiguration of alternative workplace norms, suggesting the potential value of prefigurative counterfactuals as research method. Nevertheless, both methodological and substantive insights explored here in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic were mediated by technology which has the potential to reproduce embedded dominant epistemologies and ontologies.

Misrecognition and labor market inclusion of refugee mothers

AbstractOne lakh eighty five thousand refugees from Ukraine have started working in Poland since the Russian war began. Drawing on Bourdieusian concepts of capitals, misrecognition, habitus, and the field, the paper theorizes the subjective and objective terms of inclusion across intersectional interplay of motherhood, ethnicity, and refugee status. In particular, we explore how intersectional marginalized identities of individuals shape their negotiation power over terms of their labor market inclusion. Using qualitative interview data from 10 Ukrainian working mothers in Poland who became refugees following the Russian war in Ukraine in 2022, we demonstrate that misrecognition leads to uneven relations of power curtailing working refugee mothers' agency to negotiate the terms of their inclusion.

Impact of COVID-19 on Labor Market Participation: A Case Study of Jammu City, India

Labor market participation has increased attention due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has significantly affected various aspects of society, including labor market participation, resulting in widespread job losses, disruptions in education, shifts in industry demands, skill gaps, and increased unemployment, both on a global scale and within Jammu City. This paper aims to analyze the labor market participation of youth during the pandemic and its impact on education, employment, and socio-economic outcomes. The study uses both primary and secondary sources, such as labor force surveys, reports, and research papers, covering problems worldwide, India and the specific context of Jammu city. The study covers the pre- and post-pandemic labor market participation of survey respondents examining the types of job losses, vocational education and training (VET) courses, work-from-home opportunities, and the challenges faced by individuals in securing employment during the pandemic. The central focus of the study lies in exploring the labor market participation of the respondents. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected youth labor market participation in Jammu City, and impacted education, employment, and socio-economic outcomes? Major findings have been discussed in this paper, The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread job losses, disruptions in education and significantly impacted youth labor market participation in Jammu City, VET courses emerged as crucial avenues for skill development and adapting to the changing labor market demands during the pandemic. Work-from-home opportunities became prevalent, but access to such opportunities varied among different demographic groups, aggravating existing inequalities. Challenges in securing employment during the pandemic included limited job opportunities, skill gaps, and barriers to accessing education and training. Policy recommendations for addressing the impact of the pandemic on youth labor market participation and socio-economic conditions in Jammu City include enhancing skill development programs, promoting inclusive job creation initiatives, and ensuring equitable access to education and training opportunities. These measures aim to mitigate difficulties in labor market participation and socio-economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of skill enhancement, inclusive job creation, and accessible education and training within the city.

Procedure Matters: The Distinct Attitudinal Feedback Effects of Immigration Policy

AbstractNatives who dislike immigrants prefer restrictive immigration policies, but do those policies deepen or alleviate anti-immigrant attitudes? Existing theories have offered mixed predictions. Restrictions imposed on immigrants may harden intergroup boundaries and thus deepen hostilities. However, they may also soften attitudes by addressing the economic and identity concerns of natives. Using a conjoint experiment conducted in Hong Kong, I test the multidimensional effects of immigration policies on natives’ attitudes toward highly skilled immigrants. I find that restrictive measures consistently generate more positive attitudes. Strikingly, this effect cannot be fully accounted for by major theoretical explanations, including labor market competition, social identity, and welfare attitudes. Preexisting policy preferences do not condition the effect either. These findings point to the importance of attitudinal policy feedback beyond traditional accounts of immigration attitudes. In-depth qualitative interviews identify two novel causal mechanisms: moralizing and quality assurance effects.

Social Protection Programs and the Future of the Poor and Vulnerable in Nigeria: Notes and Reflections from Lessons of History

Existing studies argue that Social Protection Programs are designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labor markets. Therefore, the government must respect and promote the principles of non-discrimination, gender equality, responsiveness to social needs, social inclusion (including in the informal sector/economy), and respect for people's rights and dignity. This research uses qualitative field methods in the area and its surroundings. This research also uses historical documents from national archives and documentary data from newspaper reports, diaries, letters, and oral reports. The most common types of social protection include labor market interventions, social insurance, and social assistance. While this is the standard worldwide, especially in the ideal Social Contract between society and government, this has yet to be the case in most countries in the Developing World, especially Nigeria, in the last decade. So the impact is increasing poverty, neglect of older people, unemployment, disappointment, and tension, which leads to violent conflict. Therefore, this research attempts to build relationships between Nigeria's government and the Poor and Vulnerable Communities. The Nigerian government must show great commitment to the issue of social protection programs that are in line with global practices.

Sustainable Employability of People with Limited Capability for Work: The Participatory Development and Validation of a Questionnaire.

Understanding sustainable employability (SE) of people with limited capability for work (LCW) due to physical or mental disability is crucial for the sustainable participation of this target group. Therefore, adequate measurement instruments for SE are needed. This study aims to validate a questionnaire to measure SE among people with LCW using a participatory approach, including person-job fit (PJ fit) and work-related sense of coherence (Work-SoC). Existing scales for the main concepts were tested and adapted for face validity via cognitive interviews (n = 6), with the involvement of a co-researcher with LCW in the research team. Next, the questionnaire was administered among people with LCW (n = 248) to assess its factor structure (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha). Analysis of the cognitive interviews identified problems with clarity and readability of items, instructions and response categories of used (existing) scales. The main adjustments concerned the shortening of text length, the usage of familiar language and examples, and the addition of an introduction game. Most of the adapted SE indicator scales showed an overall good fit and acceptable-to-good internal reliability. The overall SE model had an overall good fit, and excluding 'internal employability' further improved this fit. PJ fit and Work-SoC had an acceptable/good model fit and internal consistency. The participatory validation process resulted in a validated and comprehensive questionnaire to measure SE, PJ fit and Work-SoC among people with LCW, which enables research into the development of their SE. This questionnaire can be utilised to contribute to a more inclusive labour market.

RESEARCH ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE CAREER CHOICE DECISION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THAI NGUYEN PROVINCE

This study evaluates factors influencing career choice decisions among high school students in Thai Nguyen province through statistical analysis. Results indicate that crucial factors affecting these decisions include labor market needs, career counseling, family influence, university factors, and personal preferences. Exploratory factor analysis identifies 5 significant factors, explaining 73.68% of data variance. Strong positive correlations are observed between career decisions and factors such as labor market needs, career counseling, family, university factors, and personal preferences. Additionally, a linear regression model predicts that labor market demand, career counseling, and university factors positively and significantly influence career choices, while personal and family influences show weaker correlations. Practical implications of this research include assisting educational institutions, families, and students in comprehending career decisions and formulating effective support strategies.

The Making of a Reserve Army of Labor: Paradoxes of American Disability Policy

Since the 1980s, despite much United States legislation to promote the employment of people with disabilities and reduce their reliance on government benefits, employment rates among people with disabilities have fallen while rates of disability benefits receipt have risen. I conducted historical research on two sites of contradiction in the state treatment of disability: (1) antidiscrimination legislation and (2) disability benefits. I show that the goals of antidiscrimination legislation were undercut by court interpretations of this legislation, while cyclical expansion and contraction of disability benefits produced haphazard integration of recipients into the labor force and inhibited cessation of benefits. These findings demonstrate that the legislative push for the labor market inclusion of disabled people, undertaken simultaneous to ongoing labor market exclusion with roots in the very same legislative program, led to the incorporation of disabled people into the labor market on contingent terms. Contradictions in disability employment policy have thus constituted people with disabilities as a labor force suited to the precarious positions characteristic of economic restructuring. This argument develops Marxist theories of disability, conceptualizing disabled people as a reserve army of labor malleable to the needs of capital.

DETERMINANTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INCLUSIVE LABOR MARKET IN UKRAINE

The article examines the modern determinants of the development of the inclusive labor market in Ukraine, which are determined by a complex of specific factors that affect the process of integration of people from socially vulnerable population groups. It has been proven that one of the key components of the inclusive labor market are socio-economic conditions that form the foundation for the development of an inclusive economy. It was determined that the degree of economic development, the level of unemployment and the availability of financial resources directly affect the formation of an inclusive labor market. In addition, an important role in the formation of an inclusive environment is also played by legal regulation, including the interaction of national public administration bodies with the international labor organization. It has been proven that normative acts aimed at protecting the rights of socially vulnerable persons create the necessary conditions for their active participation in economic activity on the labor market. It was determined that the development and improvement of such normative legal acts is a strategic task for ensuring the sustainable development of the inclusive labor market in Ukraine. Socio-cultural factors that determine society's attitude towards socially vulnerable persons and shape openness and tolerance in the working environment are considered. It was determined that an effective policy of differentiation and acceptance of diversity can contribute to the creation of a positive climate for inclusive employment, promoting the development of diverse talents and skills among employees in order to strengthen the relevance of their qualifications to the demands of employers. It has been proven that educational opportunities for persons with disabilities play a key role in their integration into the inclusive labor market. It was found that the system of providing high-quality education and professional training, as well as the implementation of special support programs in general, contribute to the growth of the competitiveness of this group of workers in the labor market. It was determined that organizational aspects, such as the creation of specialized employment centers, functional support of enterprises that implement inclusive practices, as well as the development of corporate responsibility, contribute to the effective solution of the problems of integration of socially vulnerable persons in the field of work. It is proved that all the mentioned determinants are closely interrelated and interact with each other, forming a complex system of factors that influence the development of the inclusive labor market in Ukraine.