This is a study of active labor market policies, such as job placement, job training, and job creation policies in 17 nations from 1950 to 1988. Active labor market policies consist of direct government intervention into labor markets for the primary purpose of reducing unemployment. It presumes that participants are ready and willing to work. Labor market policies constitute the most active policy in the otherwise passive welfare state repertoire, because its goals are to make the labor force more flexible in adjusting to the restructuring of the domestic and international economies. The focus of the study is to examine the relationship between the political and economic characteristics of a society and its labor market policies. Data from official statistics in the 17 countries will be analyzed using time-series models, pooled cross-sectional models, and a combination of regression analysis and institutional analysis. This study will make a major contribution to the understanding of the conditions under which governments will develop active welfare state policies aimed at reintegrating citizens into the labor market rather than relying on more passive policies such as welfare benefits.
