Spatial polarisation of labour markets: a comparative approach

This chapter delves into the geographies of urban-rural labour polarisation, emphasising how jobs concentrate around urban centres due to urbanisation and economic clusters. It maps employment polarisation’s diversity, highlighting temporal and spatial variations and links with local economic, political, and social factors. This chapter also discusses how trade and technological shocks exacerbate urban-rural divisions, causing persistent job inequalities. Recent trends, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have challenged traditional narratives regarding labour market polarisation, particularly in lower-middle income countries. However, a comprehensive examination post-pandemic remains imperative for a deeper understanding of these dynamics. This chapter contributes towards filling this crucial gap by investigating the spatial polarisation of labour markets on a global scale. Leveraging Gallup World Poll data and the UN-endorsed Degree of Urbanisation variable the paper investigates the differences in the evolution of spatially distinct labour markets between OECD+ countries and less developed regions.