Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

Child Labor: The Cause Can Also be a Cure

In providing jobs for millions of Africans, the globalized chocolate industry must also avoid engaging child labor
Susan Ariel Aaronson
March 13, 2007

Illegal Migration in the 21st Century

Despite efforts to legally regulate immigration, millions of people continue to seek passage to richer countries
Bertil Lintner
January 10, 2003

Made in China: Wal-Mart Unions

Success of Chinese unions could foreshadow unionization for Wal-Mart elsewhere in the world
Anita Chan
October 12, 2006

An Interview With Claus Frederiksen

Danish minister of employment describes how the nation’s policy of “flexicurity” counters fears about globalization
September 26, 2006

Economic Patriotism – Blind Alley in a Globalized World?

Protecting favorite industries only postpones inevitable changes that can also be helpful
Patricia Wruuck
August 8, 2006

Transcript of “An Interview With N.R. Narayana Murthy”

Transcript of Nayan Chanda's interview with N.R. Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys
June 5, 2006

Africa’s Rising Middle Class – And Why It Matters

DIY firms, not multinationals, may be best poised to handle the continent’s diversity
Tom Jackson
February 25, 2016

How Technology Could Unwind a Decade-Long Trend in Global Trade

Robots and automation will shrink supply chains for emerging economies and increase inequality
Luke Kawa
February 24, 2016

Your Job Is About to Get “Taskified”

About one third of US jobs could be organized into tasks for outsourcing, temp work by 2050
Mary L. Gray
February 18, 2016

AI and Robots Threaten to Unleash Mass Unemployment, Scientists Warn

Humans may have more leisure time, but how will they pay for activities and daily necessities?
Clive Cookson
February 16, 2016

As China’s Workforce Dwindles, World Scrambles for Alternatives

Factories invest in robots and other new technologies
Kathy Chu and Bob Davis
December 15, 2015