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Structural economic dynamics, markups, real Wicksell effects, and the reverse substitution of labor

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  • Vienneau, Robert L.

Abstract

This article presents an example in which perturbations in relative markups and technical progress result in variations in characteristics of the labor market. Around a switch point with a positive real Wicksell effect, a higher wage is associated with firms wanting to employ more labor per unit output of net product. Around a switch point with a reverse substitution of labor, firms in a particular industry want to hire more labor per unit output of gross product. Technical progress and variations in markups can bring about and take away circumstances favorable for workers wanting to press claims for higher wages. This article presents specific fluke switch points in which variations in technology and markups change these circumstances, as well as novel diagrams for visualizing the effects of such variations.

Suggested Citation

  • Vienneau, Robert L., 2019. "Structural economic dynamics, markups, real Wicksell effects, and the reverse substitution of labor," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 216-226.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:streco:v:50:y:2019:i:c:p:216-226
    DOI: 10.1016/j.strueco.2019.07.008
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    Cited by:

    1. Vienneau, Robert L., 2024. "Visualizing Variations in the Analysis of the Choice of Technique," Centro Sraffa Working Papers CSWP66, Centro di Ricerche e Documentazione "Piero Sraffa".
    2. Vienneau, Robert L., 2021. "Fluke Switch Points in Pure Fixed Capital Systems," Centro Sraffa Working Papers CSWP48, Centro di Ricerche e Documentazione "Piero Sraffa".

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cambridge capital controversy; Labor market; Markup pricing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B51 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Socialist; Marxian; Sraffian
    • D33 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Factor Income Distribution
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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