Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to test one hypothesis regarding the impact of the minimum wage on poverty: an increase or the introduction of the minimum wage raises the cost of hiring relatively unskilled workers, and makes inputs that are good substitutes for such workers more attractive. Design/methodology/approach: Placebo analyses confirmed that a labor–labor substitution is induced by the introduction of the minimum wage. Findings: This study found a labor–labor substitution within low-skill groups induced by the introduction of the minimum wage for domestic and farming work in South Africa. Practical implications: The evidence implies that the minimum-wage policy may not be as effective for poverty reduction as some governments in emerging and developing countries claim. Originality/value: No studies were found on labor–labor substitution in the context of emerging or developing countries. The clear contribution of this paper using South African data clearly lies here.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 21-34 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | International Journal of Development Issues |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- Emerging countries
- Employment
- Low-skilled worker
- Minimum wage
- Poverty
- South Africa
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Economics and Econometrics
- Development
- Political Science and International Relations