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Gender outcomes of labor market policy in Israel

Orly Benjamin (Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Bar‐Ilan University, Ramat‐Gan, Israel)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ISSN: 2040-7149

Article publication date: 28 June 2011

660

Abstract

Purpose

This paper maps gender‐related outcomes of the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Code (GPC) by highlighting the role of deskilling in changing labor market rewards for women employed in traditionally feminine service occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

The emergence of the “contract state” is examined as a major response to the GPC, one, that generates fragmentation and promotes deskilling in public service jobs. Fragmentation is examined by comparing average income in direct public employment and in public procurement contracts.

Findings

In the context of service procurement, previous collective agreements recognizing skill and experience are circumvented generating precarious employment for skilled employees.

Originality/value

The analysis unveils the ways in which the contract state through its prioritization of low‐cost bids, promotes women's deskilling in public services. It contributes to a better understanding of the importance of employees' representatives' active participation in tender committees as well as in long‐term auditing of service contractors.

Keywords

Citation

Benjamin, O. (2011), "Gender outcomes of labor market policy in Israel", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 394-408. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610151111150645

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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