The employment relationship as a risk-sharing device
Résumé
Taking part in the renewed focus on the concept of risk in analysing the dynamics of
social organisations, we develop a representation of the employment relationship as a
risk sharing device. Our thesis is that the dynamics of employment systems can be best
understood as changing forms and levels of risks assumed by workers and employers.
First, referring to economic and legal studies, we specify the risks at stake in the
employment relationship and their repartition. Two types of risk are defined: one
regarding the internal organisation of the firm, the other the selling of goods. We then
study the employment contract as a risk sharing tool between employers and workers.
Second, we apply this analytical scheme to the interpretation of the transformations in
French employment relationships over a period of two centuries. Such historical
perspective relies on the analysis of changes in the legal framework as well as in
individual practices.
social organisations, we develop a representation of the employment relationship as a
risk sharing device. Our thesis is that the dynamics of employment systems can be best
understood as changing forms and levels of risks assumed by workers and employers.
First, referring to economic and legal studies, we specify the risks at stake in the
employment relationship and their repartition. Two types of risk are defined: one
regarding the internal organisation of the firm, the other the selling of goods. We then
study the employment contract as a risk sharing tool between employers and workers.
Second, we apply this analytical scheme to the interpretation of the transformations in
French employment relationships over a period of two centuries. Such historical
perspective relies on the analysis of changes in the legal framework as well as in
individual practices.
Domaines
Economies et finances
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