Inequalities in the disruption of paid work during the Covid‐19 pandemic: A world systems analysis of core, semi‐periphery, and periphery states.

Abstract:

This article reveals the extent of international inequalities in the
immediate impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on participation in paid work.
Drawing on World Systems Theory (WST) and a novel quasi‐experimental analysis
of nationally representative household panel surveys across 20 countries, the
study finds a much sharper increase in the likelihood of dropping out of paid
work in semi‐periphery and periphery states relative to core states. We
establish a causal link between such international disparities and the early
trajectories of state interventions in the labor market. Further analysis
demonstrates that within all three world systems delayed, less stringent
interventions in the labor market were enabled by right‐wing populism but
mitigated by the strength of active labor market policies and collective
bargaining.