Article

 

FLEXIBLE WORK AND QUALITY OF LIFE: THE UNCERTAINTIES OF THE POST-INDUSTRIAL ERA

by

Aliki Mouriki, National Centre of Social Research

Antigone Lyberaki, Panteion University

JEL classification : J210, P190, P160

Abstract

The concept of labor is both the most fundamental and the most inherently problematic of all economic categories. It is the category through which economists understand most of the human input into the production process. Yet, in treating the major inputs into production -labor, capital and raw materials- in a parallel fashion, economists tend to analyze labor in isolation from the social relations in which individuals are embedded. It is not actual human beings who are an input into the production process, but one of their characteristics -their capacity to do work. But this is an inherently paradoxical strategy since the individual’s capacity to do work is not innate; it is socially created and sustained.

 

 

ASPECTS OF INCOME INEQUALITY IN GREECE DURING THE PERIOD 1974-1994

by

Chletsos Michael , Centre of Planning and Economic Research

Sakellis Ioannis , Panteion University

JEL classification : O150

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to measure and comment on income inequalities in Greece for the period 1974-1994. All the measures presented are estimated using the same data source and a common method of calculation. Inequality is measured using Gini’s coefficient. The empirical findings indicate an increase of income inequality and the share of the middle income groups in total income was rising at the expense of the income share of the poor.

 

 

THE NET SOCIAL WAGE IN GREECE 1958-90

by

Christos Kollias, Centre of Planning and Economic Research

Michael Chletsos, Centre of Planning and Economic Research

Thanasis Maniatis, Centre of Planning and Economic Research

JEL classification : H530, H550, H290

Abstract

The article studies the net effect of state expenditures and revenues on the income of the working population in Greece for the 1958-1990 period as it is expressed by the net social wage. In addition, the relation between the net social wage and unemployment, government deficits, labour strength and economic growth is investigated. For the period of analysis, no significant redistribution of income in favour of the working population has taken place via the fiscal policies of the state even though especially in the last decade we observe an increasing involvement of the government in the reproduction of the working population. Also the positive levels of the net social wage in the few most recent years of the period examined seem to be not an expression of increased labour strength but more a compensation for the adverse developments for labour in the primary distribution of income.

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS IN GREECE

by

Eric Gazon, University of Lille II

JEL classification : I180, I200, I310, K310, K320

Abstract

The fear of unemployment makes certain employees, or even certain “small employers” accept to work under dangerous labor conditions. The article examines the existing legal and institutional framework in Greece, the availability of data relative to the labor accidents, and the perspectives which are proposed by the social actors in order to aim at the transgression of the deficiencies in the field of occupational health and safety. Finally, suggestions are given about how the life quality at work can be improved through training, negotiations, etc. This orientation requires a change in the actions undertaken by industry.

 

 

QUALITY OF LIFE AND HEALTH CARE RESOURCE ALLOCATION

by

Dimitrios Niakas, National School of Public Health

JEL classification : I110, I180, 310, I380

Abstract

Efficient health care resource allocation is a major issue of health policy in every health system. At the same time, an effective health policy attempts to improve health outcomes of the population, which are fully connected to the quality of life. Thus, quality of life and more specifically, an indicator which combines longevity and quality of life (QALY) seems to be an appropriate tool to allocate resources and increase efficiency. This indicator for allocating resources has been proposed by many health economists. Of course, the QALYs estimation are not perfect and many practical and methodological difficulties have to be solved in the years ahead. However, the alternative, of relying of negative health indicators or, of nowhere to allocate resources, as in the Greek case, is far from satisfactory. This means that decision makers taking into account QALYs to allocate resources must exercise their final decision with caution, care and intelligence.

 

 

«QUALITY OF LIFE» ACCORDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT MESSAGES

by

Chryssa Paidoussi,

JEL classification : I310, M390

Abstract

The 'quality of life' argument plays a central role in the persuasion tactics of the advertisement. The analysis of wide range of television commercial messages shows the existence of the following three major themes in the "quality of life" argumentation: (a) the dream of a better life, (b) the opposing pairs of: deprivation / satisfaction, threat / security and (c) the naturally / ecology scheme. The magic system of the advertisement converts the commercial products to sources of natural and healthy life and prime means of dramatically improving the life of the modern person, curing life's adversities and satisfying (psychological) needs. In the name of a happiness that can be within reach advertisement promotes eventually the "materialistic ethos" of capitalist society.

 

 

TESTING FOR REAL CONVERGENCE IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY/UNION

by

D. Giannias, University of Crete

G. Manolas, University of Crete

P. Liargovas, University of Crete

JEL classification : I310, R580, R590

Abstract

The article evaluates empirically the process of convergence across countries in the European Community between 1970 and 1990. Convergence here is taken to imply not only economic convergence, but also convergence in the quality of life between EU member states. It is confirmed that real convergence was achieved between 1970-75 for most of the countries. Convergence stagnated between 1980-85 and then it increased. Southern European member states exhibit similar patterns.

 

 

GROWTH OF TOURISM IN GREECE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

by

Dimitris Lagos, Hellenic Regionalists Association

JEL classification : L820, L830, K320, K330

Abstract

The article examines the growth of tourism under the light of environmental protection. The Mediterranean Sea as a pole of massive tourist attraction and the impact of tourism on the local government are analyzed, as well as the growth of Greek tourist industry from 1950 to 1995 and its impact on the socioeconomic and environmental development of the country. Finally, the EU and Greek environmental policies are reviewed.