Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

From the’ sick Man’to the ‘Overhauled Engine’ of Europe? Upheaval in the German Model

  • Chapter
European Employment Models in Flux

Abstract

For most of the 1960s–80s the Federal Republic of Germany was regarded both at home and abroad as one of the countries that had been particularly successful in combining economic growth and social equality. For many economists and social scientists Germany was the exemplar of ‘Rhenish capitalism’ (Albert, 1992) which, by virtue of the ‘beneficial constraints’ (Streeck, 1997) imposed on German capital by strong labour unions and institutions, fostered long-term corporate strategies and an environment of trust relationships, not only within capital but also between the strong associations representing capital and labour. It was under these conditions that a system of high-quality and export-oriented production was developed, which in turn powered the entire employment system.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Albert, M. (1992), Kapitalismus contra Kapitalismus, Frankfurt/Main: Campus Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Auer, P. and Cazes, S. (2000), ‘The Resilience of the Long-term Employment Relationship: Evidence from the Industrialized Countries’, International Labour Review 4 (2000): 379–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) (2008), ‘Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Arbeitsmarkt in Zahlen, Zeitreihen für Arbeitslose’, Nürnberg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bispinck, R. (2008), ‘Das deutsche Tarifmodell im Umbruch’, Wirtschaftsdienst 88(1): 7–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BMBF (2004), ‘Berufsbildungsbericht 2004’, Berlin: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung.

    Google Scholar 

  • BMBF (2006a), ‘Bericht zur technologischen Leistungsfähigkeit Deutschlands 2006’, Berlin: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung. iaBMBF (2006b), ‘Berufsbildungsbericht 2006’, Berlin: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung.

    Google Scholar 

  • BMBF (2007), ‘Report on the Technological Performance of Germany 2007. Summary’, Berlin: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bofinger, P. (2005), Wir sind besser als wir glauben: Wohlstand für alle, München: Pearson Studium.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bosch, G. (2004), ‘Brauchen wir eine Ausbildungsplatzabgabe?’, pp. 217–33 in D. Haubner, E. Mezger and H. Schwengel (eds), Wissensgesellschaft, Verteilungskonflikte und strategische Akteure, Marburg: Metropolis-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bosch, G. and Charest, J. (2008), ‘Vocational Training and the Labour Market in Liberal and Coordinated Economies’, Industrial Relations Journal 39(5): 428–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bosch, G. and Kalina, T. (2008), ‘Low-wage Work in Germany: An Overview’, pp. 19–112 in G. Bosch and C. Weinkopf (eds), Low-wage Work in Germany, New York: Russell Sage Foundation. 128 Upheaval in the German Model

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlin, W. and Soskice, D. (2007), ‘Reforms, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Performance in Germany’, International Macroeconomics, Discussion Paper Series No. 6415, Centre for Economic Policy Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coates, D. (ed.) (2005), Varieties of Capitalism, Varieties of Approaches, Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Culpepper, P. D. and Finegold, D. (eds) (1999), The German Skills Machine: Sustaining Comparative Advantage in a Global Economy, New York, Oxford: Berghahn Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • ECB (2007), ‘European Central Bank, Monthly Bulletin’, 02/2007, Frankfurt am Main.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erlinghagen, M. (2008), ‘Self-Perceived Job Insecurity and Social Context: A Multi-Level Analysis of 17 European Countries’, European Sociological Review 24(2): 183–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Esping-Andersen, G. (1990), The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism, London: Polity Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission (2006), ‘Industrial Relations in Europe 2006, Luxemburg’. European Economy (2007), ‘European Economy, Statistical Annex’, Autumn 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luxemburg. Familienbericht (2006), ‘Siebter Familienbericht. Familie zwischen Flexibilität und Verlässigkeit’, Bundesministerium für Familien, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Berlin. Financial Times, 11 December 2006 and 30 March 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finegold, D. and Soskice, D. (1988), ‘The Failure of Training in Britain: Analysis and Prescription’, Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 4(1988): 21–

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haipeter, T. (2006), ‘Can Norms Survive Market Pressures? The Practical Effectiveness of News Forms of Working Time Regulation in a Changing German Economy’, pp. 319–41 in J-Y. Boulin, M. Lallement, J. C. Messenger and F. Michon (eds), Decent Working Time: New Trends, New Issues, Geneva: International Labour Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, P. A., and Soskice, D. (2001), ‘An Introduction to Varieties of Capitalism’, pp. 1–71 in P. A. Hall and D. Soskice (eds), Varieties of Capitalism: The Institutional Foundations of Comparative Advantage, New York: Oxford University Press. Handelsblatt, 17 December 2007.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hickel, R. and Priewe, J. (1994), Nach dem Fehlstart. Ökonomische Perspektiven der deutschen Einigung, Frankfurt am Main: Fischer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Höpner, M. (2003), Wer beherrscht die Unternehmen? Shareholder Value, Managerherrschaft und Mitbestimmung in Deutschland, Frankfurt/Main, New York: Campus Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horn, G. (2005), Die deutsche Krankheit — Sparwut und Sozialabbau: Thesen gegen eine verfehlte Wirtschaftspolitik, München: Carl Hanser Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horn, G. A., Logeay, C., Stephan, S. and Zwiener, R. (2007), ‘Preiswerte Arbeit in Deutschland. Auswertung der aktuellen Eurostat Arbeitskostenstatistik’, Düsseldorf: IMK Report Nr. 22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jürgens, U. (2003), W. Streeck (eds), The End of Diversity? Prospects for German and Japanese Capitalism, Ithaca, London: Cornell University Pres

    Google Scholar 

  • Kädtler, J. (2003), B. Röttger (eds.), Das neue Marktregime: Konturen eines nachfordistischen Produktionsmodells, Hamburg: VSA. Lehndorff,Bosch, HaipeterandLatniak

    Google Scholar 

  • Knuth, M. (2007), ‘Implementing the New Basic Allowance for Job Seekers in Germany’, Discussion Paper, Peer Review Programme of the European Employment Strategy. IAQ University of Duisburg-Essen. http://pdf.mutual-learning-employment.net/pdf/DE%2007/discussionpaper_DE_07.pdf

  • Konsortium Bildungsberichterstattung (eds) (2006), Bildung in Deutschland: Ein indikatorengestützter Bericht mit einer Analyse zu Bildung und Migration, Bielfeld: W. Bertelsmann-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambsdorff, O. Graf (1982), ‘Konzept für eine Politik zur Überwindung der Wachstumsschwäche und zur Bekämpfung der Arbeitslosigkeit’, Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, Archiv des Liberalismus. http://admin.fnst.org/uploads/644/Lambsdorffpapier_1.pdf.

  • Lane, C. (2000), ‘Globalization and the German Model of Capitalism — Erosion or Survival?’, British Journal of Sociology 51(2): 207–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Latniak, E. (2006), ‘Auf der Suche nach Verteilungs-und Gestaltungsspielräumen: eine Bilanz der Organisationsveränderungen seit den 90er Jahren’, pp. 34–70 in S. Lehndorff (ed.), Das Politische in der Arbeitspolitik: Ansatzpunkte für eine nachhaltige Arbeits — und Arbeitszeitgestaltung, Berlin: Edition Sigma.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lutz, B. (1984), Der kurze Traum immerwährender Prosperität: Eine Neuinterpretation der industriell-kapitalistischen Entwicklung im Europa des 20. Jahrhunderts, Frankfurt, New York: Campus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosebach, K. (2005), ‘Erosion of the Tax Basis: Fiscal Policy and International Tax Competition’, pp. 157–78 in S. Beck, F. Klobes and C. Scherrer (eds), Surviving Globalization? Perspectives for the German Economic Model, Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Jentsch, W. (1991), Konfliktpartnerschaft: Akteure und Institutionen der industriellen Beziehungen, München, Mering: Rainer Hampp Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD (2007a), ‘Revenue Statistics 2007’, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD (2007b), ‘Employment Outlook’, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD (2007c), ‘PISA 2006’, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD (2007d), ‘Babies and Bosses — Policies towards Reconciling Work and Family Life’, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polanyi, K. (1978), The Great Transformation: Politische und ökonomische Ursprünge von Gesellschaften und Wirtschaftsystemen, Frankfurt/Main: Suhrkamp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ragnitz, J. (2005), ‘Originäre Wirtschaftskraft der neuen Länder noch schwächer als bislang angenommen’, IWH-Pressemitteilung 20/2005, Halle: Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rehberg, K-S. (2006), ‘Ost — West’, pp. 209–33 in S. Lessenich and F. Nullmeier (eds), Deutschland — eine gespaltene Gesellschaft, Frankfurt/New York: Campus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ritter, G. A. (2006), Der Preis der deutschen Einheit. Die Wiedervereinigung und die Krise des Sozialstaats, München: Beck.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schief, S. (2006), ‘Nationale oder unternehmensspezifische Muster der Flexibilität?’, pp. 228–48 in S. Lehndorff (ed.), Das Politische in der Arbeitspolitik. Ansatzpunkte für eine nachhaltige Arbeits-und Arbeitszeitgestaltung, Berlin: Edition Sigma.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, R., Röbenack, S. and Hinke, R. (2003), ‘Prekarisierung des kollektiven Tarifsystems am Beispiel der ostdeutschen Metallindustrie’, Industrielle Beziehungen 10(2): 220–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schumann, M. (2002), ‘Struktureller Wandel und Entwicklung der Qualifikationsanforderungen’, Vortrag auf dem 4, BiBB-Fachkongress 2002, Berlin, 23–25 October 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, H. (1996), Die heimlichen Gewinner. Erfolgsstrategien unbekannter Weltmarktführer, Frankfurt, New York: Campus. 130 Upheaval in the German Model

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinn, H.-W. (2003), Ist Deutschland noch zu retten?, München: Econ.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spangenberg, U. (2005), ‘Neuorientierung der Ehebesteuerung: Ehegattensplitting und Lohnsteuerverfahren’, Düsseldorf: Gutachten, gefördert durch die Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (Ms.).

    Google Scholar 

  • Streeck, W. (1997), ‘Beneficial Constraints: On the Economic Limits of Rational Voluntarism’, pp. 197–219 in J. R. Hollingsworth and R. Boyer (eds), Contemporary Capitalism: The Embeddedness of Institutions, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Streek, W. and Trampusch, C. (2005), ‘Economic Reform and the Political Economy of the German Welfare State’, German Politics 14(2005): 174–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Välilä, T., Kozluk, T. and Mehrotra, A. (2005), ‘Roads on a downhill? Trends in EU Infrastructure Investment’, EIB Papers 1(2005): 18–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitols, S. (2005), ‘German Corporate Governance in Transition: Implications of Bank Exit from Monitoring and Control’, International Journal of Disclosure and Governance 2(4): 357–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiesenthal, H. (2004), ‘German Unification and, Model Germany’: An Adventure in Institutional Conservatism, pp. 37–58 in H. Kitschelt and W. Streeck (eds), Germany: Beyond the Stable State, London, Portland: Frank Cass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Windolf, P. (ed.) (2005), Finanzmarkt-Kapitalismus: Analysen zum Wandel von Produktionsregimen, Sonderheft 45 der Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie, Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften.

    Book  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute Work and Qualification/IAQ, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

    Steffen Lehndorff (Director of the Working-Time and Work Organization Department), Gerhard Bosch (economist and sociologist, Professor), Thomas Haipeter (Senior Researcher, Lecturer) & Erich Latniak (Senior Researcher)

Authors
  1. Steffen Lehndorff
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gerhard Bosch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Thomas Haipeter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Erich Latniak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University Duisburg-Essen, Germany

    Gerhard Bosch (economist and sociologist, Professor) (economist and sociologist, Professor)

  2. Institute Work and Qualification/IAQ, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

    Steffen Lehndorff (Director of the Working-Time and Work Organization Department) (Director of the Working-Time and Work Organization Department)

  3. Manchester Business School, UK

    Jill Rubery (Professor of Comparative Employment Systems) (Professor of Comparative Employment Systems)

Copyright information

© 2009 Steffen Lehndorff, Gerhard Bosch, Thomas Haipeter and Erich Latniak

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Lehndorff, S., Bosch, G., Haipeter, T., Latniak, E. (2009). From the’ sick Man’to the ‘Overhauled Engine’ of Europe? Upheaval in the German Model. In: Bosch, G., Lehndorff, S., Rubery, J. (eds) European Employment Models in Flux. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230237001_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation