Globalization and labor force participation

Abstract

This study finds evidence that globalization depresses labor force participation via social spending and tax policy. We estimate a panel Vector Auto Regression model on data over the period of 1980~2012 from the 26 OECD countries. Social spending has increased, consistent with the compensation hypothesis, while labor income taxes have risen relative to capital income taxes, consistent with tax competition hypothesis. As a result, one can see the reduction of labor force participation. Social safety nets and tax policies need to be streamlined upon globalization.