Abstract

This study addresses the impact that proper implementation of Core Labor Standards (CLS) has on economic growth. The theoretical findings lend support to the hypothesis that proper implementation of CLS increases efficiency of workers as well as investment in human capital, and thus has positive implications for economic growth. Additionally, this study questions the validity of variables and methods chosen by other authors examining similar questions and attempts to create a new measure of CLS implementation accounting for ratification of the relevant International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions as well as the political environment of the country. Using a fixed-effects model with panel data for three samples of countries from 1990-2008, empirical evidence is presented that suggests that higher levels of CLS in a country lead to higher GDP per-capita. It is encouraged that the findings presented here be utilized by Non-Govermental Organizations attempting to persuade governments to adopt and enforce the eight conventions pertaining to CLS.

Department

International Relations

Keywords

labor standards, core labor standards, child labor, collective bargaining, forced labor, discrimination, economic growth

Publication Date

2011

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2011 Cora Wigger