Celebrating 150 Years of Analyzing Fertility Trends in Germany

Ever since the very beginning of the Journal of Economics and Statistics, population economics has featured prominently in the Journal. Fertility naturally plays an important role in population economics. Its size has decreased significantly from the 1900s. Long time-series regarding fertility and basic trends in Germany are documented and analyzed. We identify three different explanatory approaches for the decline in fertility, according to which the various articles of the Journal related to this area are categorized. The paper also investigates previous fertility studies published by the Journal since the beginning. It points out that several articles anticipated subsequent research directions in the area of population economics at an early stage. In addition, significant contributions were made in terms of further developing existing knowledge. Thus, the Journal has helped to expand the research area of population economics.self-regulation, Malthus, total fertility rate, fertility, Q-Q trade-off

Der Aufstieg des Normalarbeitsverhältnisses in Deutschland – vom Ausbruch des Zweiten Weltkriegs bis zur Ölkrise 1973

This article provides a historical overview of the institutional development of the structural elements of the standard employment relationship from the beginning of World War II until the 1973 oil crisis. The analysis deals with the determining factors of the reconstitution and adjustment of these elements during that time. For this purpose, the interests of the actors involved are displayed. The historical analysis finds that the standard employment relationship attained its essential stature already prior to the pension reform of 1957. The preliminary peak of the institutional arrangement of the standard employment relationship was reached during the era of Chancellor Brandt in the beginning of the 1970s.Normalarbeitsverhältnis, Beschäftigungsmodell, Lohnarbeitsverhältnis, Sozialpolitik, Sozialversicherungssystem

Der Institutionalisierungsprozess des Lohnarbeitsverhältnisses vom Ersten bis zum Zweiten Weltkrieg in Deutschland

The paper provides a historical overview of the institutional development of the structural elements of the standard employment contract in Germany from the beginning of World War I until the outbreak of World War II. For this purpose, a model of the standard employment contract including certain structural elements is used, which represents the standard employment contract in the early 1970s. The analysis deals with the determining factors of the emergence and adjustment of these elements and traces back the intentions of each actor involved. The focal point is the legal arrangement of employment contracts between employees and employers. The historical perspective shows that the legal structure of the working relationship depends on the particular social and political balance of power of the time. The relation between the position of each interest group within society and its implications is especially observed during periods of severe political disruption.Lohnarbeitsverhältnis, Normalarbeitsverhältnis, Weimarer Republik, Hilfsdienstgesetz, Arbeitslosenversicherung, Ruhreisenstreit

Der vormoderne Allokationsprozess von Arbeit in Deutschland

The paper provides a historical overview of the pre-modern allocation of work within the territory of the later Germany from the 18th until the middle of the 19th century. We explore how the social allocation of work during the feudal system took place and trace back the development of wage labor within agriculture, industry and service sector. In particular, the historical roots of the so-called 'standard employment contract' in Germany are investigated. We find that during the pre-industrial time the social organization of work occurred in various forms and that wage labor was rather a rare phenomenon in the beginning of the 19th century. Hence, a widespread and functioning labor market cannot be identified at that time. Rudimentary elements of the standard employment contract are found in the employment contract of civil servants.feudal system, pre-industrial, allocation of work, wage labor, standard employment contract

A Neuroscientific Approach To Mental Well-Being

Disturbances in mental well-being not only reduce life satisfaction but also workplace productivity. This represents a significant economic challenge that demands intervention. Since the brain plays a vital role in enhancing mental health, the article seeks to let individuals effectively manage their mental well-being and thereby reduce their stress, worries, and anxieties. To do so, the areas of sleep, habits, exercising, positivity, emotions, and mind-body connections were examined. Quantitative and qualitative research was used in combination by conducting a survey among 282 people. In addition, four databases and a total of 26 studies were included in the work. The findings suggest that individuals should not only apply neuroscience-based techniques but also place value on finding intrinsic motivation to effectively enhance their psychological well-being. The positive effect can be strengthened when intrinsic motivation is linked to a purpose so that people find enjoyment and meaning in life

Herausbildung erster Wesenszüge des Normalarbeitsverhältnisses in Deutschland

The paper provides a historical overview of the development of the initial characteristics of the standard employment contract in Germany from the middle of the 19th century until the beginning of World War I. The beginning of the welfare state in Germany took place during the 1880s on the basis of dependent employment. For the analysis of this type of employment, the model of the standard employment contract is used, and the specific factors which determined the rise of the standard employment contract are examined. In the 19th century, wage labour became more and more common and finally displaced the pre-modern allocation of work. After being freed from feudal dependence, the familiar social question arose. In this context, the main driving forces as well as different approaches in solving this question are surveyed. State regulations were implemented to protect the workforce against exploitation by industrial entrepreneurs. Later on, a social insurance system was created to protect workers against basic risks. The paper finds that prior to the establishment of the social insurance system, a number of insurance funds had existed which were financed by worker contributions. Moreover, these insurance funds already contained the essential structural elements of the later Bismarckian welfare system. The paper concludes that at the end of the observed period, dependent, full-time employment subject to social insurance contributions can be identified.Abhängiges Beschäftigungssystem, Normalarbeitsverhältnis, Soziale Frage, Soziale Sicherung, Bismarck, Sozialversicherungsgesetzgebung

Management roles and leadership skills to attract venture capital in Switzerland

Startups constitute an essential component of a working market economy and foster economic growth, employment as well as technological progress. However, managing and leading companies at an early growth stage poses an enormous challenge, as investment failure amounts to approximately 75%. That said, receiving venture capital is all but an easy task and only 1% of investment opportunities considered qualify for an investment. Against this backdrop, the aim of this article is to identify particular management and leadership skills that attract venture capital more successfully than others do. The investigation finds that management-related criteria appear to be the most important factor for Swiss venture capitalists. Especially the track record of founders and the diversity of backgrounds within the startup’s core team were considered relevant

Technological advances and the changing nature of work : deriving a future skills set

Technological advances in the field of artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics are highly likely to change the nature of work for individuals in the developed world. In line with that, the latest research points to the important role of socio-emotional or soft skills. Investing in these skills enhances the individual’s labor market productivity. Accordingly, the paper seeks to develop an adequate skill set to meet future demands at the workplace. The results reveal four main areas to play a significant role in the future workforce. This holds in particular for areas of human-machine collaboration, where both parties are allowed to demonstrate their comparative advantages

The sharing-exchange continuum inside of the sharing economy

The sharing economy has been increasingly disrupting traditional business sectors and has put substantial pressure on firms in the global economy. The concept is per se nothing new. Resources that are not used are lent to individuals via an online platform in exchange for money or anything else. The idea of the sharing-exchange continuum suggests that in order to be successful, the business model has to include sharing as well as exchange attributes. This means that a company can simultaneously profit from the benefits of socialism (pure sharing) and capitalism (pure exchange). The findings from the case studies underpin the considered literature. Both Uber and Airbnb are located within the balanced sharing and exchange range of the sharing-exchange continuum. However, WeWork exhibits predominantly exchange characteristics but also tendencies towards more balanced attributes

Report No. 29: The Mobility and Integration of People with Disabilities into the Labour Market

Report based on a study conducted for the European Parliament, Bonn 2010 (95 pages)