A STRONGER SOCIAL DIMENSION FOR GLOBALIZATION

Abstract

There is widespread concern that the current pattern of globalization does not adequately support major social goals such as employment and social protection. The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, which was established by the ILO, analysed the different perspectives on globalization and the ways in which the inequities and imbalances of globalization could be overcome. If the potential for good globalization is to be realized, the Commission argued, improved governance is needed at all levels, and coherent policies designed to make decent work a global goal. This paper explores the impact of globalization on work and employment, including not only the volume of employment but also its quality in terms of conditions of work, rights, protection and incomes. Major new developments, such as the rise of global production systems, and intensified competition in global markets, call for new policies at both national and international levels and for a reassessment of the role of different policy actors – the state, business, labour, civil society and international organizations – and more reflection on the policy instruments that are needed for action at the international level to find policies, rules and mechanisms by which economic and social goals can be coordinated in the global economy.