Constructing Worlds of Labour

The webinar will present the findings of the research project Worlds of Labour, published in the book Constructing Worlds of Labour: Coverage and Generosity of Labour Law as Outcomes of Regulatory Social Policy.

The book examines labour standards worldwide as regulatory social policy, addressing both the segmenting and egalitarian functions of individual labour law. It combines qualitative approaches (theoretical, hermeneutic, and historical) with quantitative analysis, including the innovative leximetrics method for measuring generosity and coverage of labour law.

By highlighting how legal frameworks contribute to labour market segmentation, unequal opportunities, and social stratification, the book demonstrates that social segmentation is shaped not only by market forces but also by law itself. It also shows that while egalitarian labour law has gained ground, it remains insufficient to overcome the effects of legal segmentation. Special attention is given to developments in countries of the Global South.

This webinar will provide an opportunity for academics and experts worldwide to discuss these findings and exchange perspectives with the ILO.

Participants

Chair: Prof. Aristea Koukiadaki — Professor of Labour Law & Industrial Relations; Managing Editor, International Labour Review, ILO.

Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Irene Dingeldey — Professor, Institute Labour and Economy, University of Bremen.
• Dr. Heiner Fechner — Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Bremen (labour law, leximetrics, Global South).
• Prof. emer. Dr. Ulrich Mückenberger — Research Professor, Centre for European Law & Politics, University of Bremen.
• Dr. Naj Ghosheh, Senior Researcher, ILO Research Department.