El crecimiento del empleo y las estrategias laborales de sobrevivencia en México. Apuntes para un debate

Abstract

This article analyzes the relation between economic changes and labor participation rate. It questionsthe thesis regarding the incorporation into the labor supply of more household members in response to a fall in income. To do so it examines critically the methodologies and information of several texts dealing with the evolution of employment at the micro and macro levels. On the basis of information on employment in Mexico (1979-1991), in Mexico City (1979-1999) and in 16 other cities or large towns (1988-1999), it shows that, even if such labor strategies may have been put into effect at the micro level, this does not offset a general tendency towards contraction of employment (or at least to a declining rate of growth) during economic crises.