Modern Labor Economics: Theory and Public Policy

Modern Labor Economics: Theory and Public Policy, now in its fifteenth edition, continues to be the leading text for one-semester courses in labor economics at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

It offers a thorough overview of the modern theory of labor market behavior and reveals how this theory is used to analyze public policy. Designed for students who may not have extensive backgrounds in economics, the text balances theoretical coverage with examples of practical policy applications that allow students to see concepts in action. The authors believe that showing students the social implications of the concepts discussed in the course will enhance their motivation to learn. Consequently, this text presents numerous examples of policy decisions that have affected, and been affected by, the ever-shifting labor market.

This new edition continues to offer the following:

• a balance of relevant, contemporary examples
• coverage of the current economic climate
• an introduction to basic methodological techniques and problems
• tools for review and further study

This fifteenth edition presents updated data and examples throughout and offers greater coverage of monopsonistic labor markets (including anti-trust regulations and rulings), the economics of education, the gender pay gap, recent developments in unions, and unemployment, plus new material on the work-from-home trend and AI. Supplementary materials for students and instructors are also available.

Ronald G. Ehrenberg, Professor Emeritus, Economics, Cornell University. Recipient of Weiss Fellowship, Cornell’s highest award for undergraduate teaching.

Robert S. Smith, Professor of Economics, Cornell University. Weiss Presidential Fellow, honoring outstanding contributions to Cornell’s undergraduate education.

Kevin F. Hallock, President and Professor of Economics, University of Richmond; formerly dean of the Johnson College of Business, Cornell University.