Employmentweb_low

EmploymEnT, woRk, and hEalTh inEqualiTiEs - a global perspective
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In this chapter, we paint a picture of world labour markets and
welfare states in order to better understand global health. We begin
with an empirical typology of countries based on employment
relations. This typology helps us portray the state of labour market
regulations around the world and their impact on health. Then, we
present selected country case studies to illustrate the typology’s
different “country clusters”. These case studies also focus on the
characteristics of the labour market.
6.1. CounTry Typology of EmploymEnT rElaTIons
While empirical studies of the social determinants of health have
generated frameworks and explanations that include economic
indicators (Wilkinson, 2005), few scholars have investigated related
structural pathways (muntaner & Chung, 2005). To meet this need, a
new research program has emerged which focuses on two political
determinants of health (Chung & muntaner 2006; 2007; muntaner &
lynch, 1999; muntaner et al., 2002; muntaner et al., 2006; navarro & shi,
2001; navarro et al., 2003; navarro & muntaner 2004; navarro et al.,
2006). The first determinant is the combination of political processes in
the labour market, which forms the basis of social class. The second
determinant involves subsequent welfare state policies.
In this model, employment relations are at the core of a country's
welfare regime (Korpi, 1983; locke, Kochan, & piore, 1995). With
this in mind, we present a typology based on the role played by
inequality in employment relations as a social determinant of
health. This global typology creates the background for a
comparison of empirical cases across the globe. In addition, figure
4 presents a model relating employment relations and population
health. It represents this relation at the national level and can be
generalised to the global level.
Employment relations are a centrepiece of West European
welfare states (Esping-andersen, 1990). They are the result of a
"social pact" that cements the power relationship between
organised labour (trade unions and collective bargaining),
government (especially social Democratic parties), and business
associations. The power of labour, usually measured by union
density or collective bargaining power, varies consistently according
to the type of welfare state regime (Chung, 2006), providing an
effective means of classifying the type of employment relations.
Employment relations are therefore closely associated with
welfare services. De-commodification of labour, that is, the degree
to which individuals or families can maintain a socially acceptable
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