Making globalization socially sustainable

This project is a continuation of work supported by the Foundation in 2009, which enabled the World Trade Organization (WTO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) research teams to organize an expert “scoping” workshop on the links between trade and employment. This new project focuses on the priority issues identified by experts at this workshop. Further details on the workshop are available in the Research section of the Foundation website.

Description:

There is a shared sense that globalization is a powerful engine that has already contributed to lifting many out of poverty and that, if properly harnessed, could further promote growth and development to the benefit of all. For many years, however, concerns have been raised regarding certain effects of globalization on jobs, wages and job insecurity. In this context, a number of observers have come to question the sustainability of globalization from a social point of view. Calls for a more inclusive globalization have become more frequent, but only a few concrete proposals have been put forward. The papers prepared by leading researchers will analyze the various channels through which globalization affects jobs and wages and examine how trade and employment policies could contribute to making globalization socially sustainable. Topics covered in the expert papers will include:

• Chapter 1: Globalization as a driver of job creation
• Chapter 2: Job destruction during the economic and financial crisis
• Chapter 3: Recovery after the crisis
• Chapter 4: Globalization and economic volatility
• Chapter 5: Globalization and perceived job insecurity
• Chapter 6: Social protection for those vulnerable to shocks
• Chapter 7: Evidence on the evolution of within country inequality over the past century
• Chapter 8: Redistribution policies in a globalized world
• Chapter 9: Skill policies to make globalization more inclusive