Stages of Occupational Regulation: Analysis of Case Studies, by Morris M. Kleiner. Upjohn Institute Press, Kalamazoo, MI, 2013, 291 pp., ISBN: 978 0 8809 94606, $40.00, hardback.
| Published date | 01 March 2015 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1111/bjir.12095 |
| Date | 01 March 2015 |
manifests itself in a largely critical assessment of current reforms, which are referred
to as a ‘double knee-jerk reaction of restricting eligibility and introducing manda-
tory activation. These responses tackle the immediate symptoms of the problem . . .
but do nothing to address the underlying causes’ (p. 235). Recognizing the com-
plexity of the issue, the authors emphasize that issues surrounding disability benefits
cannot be considered in isolation but instead are a broader reflection of labour
demand and population health. Indeed, several of the chapters highlight the role of
physical or mental rehabilitation, which have, so far, not been central to govern-
ment policy.
In terms of structure, one area that could perhaps be improved is the linkages
across chapters. While all recognize, and are relevant to, the central theme of the
book, the relationship between pieces of analysis and the rationale for the choice of
case studies, for example in terms of geographic coverage, could perhaps be brought
more to the fore. Further, while the contributions from specialists in health (chapters
6 and 7) form an important platform from which to raise and develop the role of
physical and mental restrictions as barriers to work, these arguments may have been
enhanced by greater recognition for the growth of literature on ‘justification bias’ or
mis-reporting disability. This may have facilitated a more direct examination of the
notion of ‘dependency’.
Overall, therefore, the book utilizes interdisciplinary research to provide a well-
rounded insight into the range, complexity and interrelated nature of factors that have
contributed to the rise in disability benefit claimants in the UK. In this respect, it sets
out the difficult challenge ahead for policy makers.
MELANIE JONES
Swansea University
Stages of Occupational Regulation: Analysis of Case Studies, by Morris M. Kleiner.
Upjohn Institute Press, Kalamazoo, MI, 2013, 291 pp., ISBN: 978 0 8809 94606,
$40.00, hardback.
Occupational regulation is a labour market institution whose historical roots predate
many others, including trade unionism, and one characterized by high pervasiveness
within most labour market contexts and a strong survival capacity. Licensing, its most
restrictive form, is also analogous to the closed shop in that it is unlawful to practise
an occupation without meeting certain criteria, usually relating to educational attain-
ment. Yet it remains one of the most under-researched areas in labour studies and one
that receives much less scrutiny than other labour market interventions. Stages of
Occupational Regulation makes an invaluable contribution in accounting for the
genesis, nature and economic consequences of occupational regulation in the USA,
and it does so in a thorough and engaging manner.
The author sets out to explore these themes by drawing on a broad variety of
occupations across the regulatory continuum, ranging from those at mature stages of
regulation in terms of time they have been regulated and the number of US states that
regulate them, to those that have only recently obtained such status and only within
certain jurisdictions. The rationale behind this approach is well justified and is further
supported by the main thesis of the book, namely that there is considerable heteroge-
neity in the economic effects of occupational regulation. The resulting list includes a
mix of white- and blue-collar occupations, such as interior designers, mortgage
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176 British Journal of Industrial Relations
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/London School of Economics.
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