Παρασκευή 16 Ιανουαρίου 2015

Labour force fragmentation: empirical evidence from case studies in Cyprus

The concept of segmentation is mainly used to describe division in the labour market and the formation of primary and secondary markets, or division within the firm into a core and a peripheral labour force. This theoretical formulation that focuses on employment terms and conditions, although valid at a general level, becomes inadequate once the researcher observes closely actual workplace conditions. I argue that there is a multiplicity of segmentation factors and levels, social as well as work – related which produce identifications and differentiations and social cleavages which reflect and sustain differentials of power resulting in labour force fragmentation. Gender, ethnicity and age may combine with skills and occupational positions leading into the construction of formal and informal hierarchies. Drawing on data from Cyprus this article illustrates the basic institutional, economic, cultural and social factors producing labour force fragmentation contributing to the relevant literature with new empirical findings.

Key words:

Cyprus, labour force fragmentation, segmentation lines