Abstract
This article assesses several likely consequences of moving from a traditional tenure to an at-will system of employment for patterns of racial inequality in the public sector. On the basis of these consequences, it is argued that an at-will system may negate the long-standing status of the public arena as the labor market niche for African Americans. The broad discretion of employers may increase susceptibility of African Americans to discrimination-induced job dismissals. In addition, employment at will may reduce the social-psychological benefits traditionally associated with government employment.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 178-187 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Review of Public Personnel Administration |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2006 |
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Keywords
- employment
- inequality
- public sector
- race
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Administration
- Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
Cite this
The Rise of At-Will Employment and Racial Inequality in the Public Sector. / Wilson, George.
In: Review of Public Personnel Administration, Vol. 26, No. 2, 01.01.2006, p. 178-187.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - The Rise of At-Will Employment and Racial Inequality in the Public Sector
AU - Wilson, George
PY - 2006/1/1
Y1 - 2006/1/1
N2 - This article assesses several likely consequences of moving from a traditional tenure to an at-will system of employment for patterns of racial inequality in the public sector. On the basis of these consequences, it is argued that an at-will system may negate the long-standing status of the public arena as the labor market niche for African Americans. The broad discretion of employers may increase susceptibility of African Americans to discrimination-induced job dismissals. In addition, employment at will may reduce the social-psychological benefits traditionally associated with government employment.
AB - This article assesses several likely consequences of moving from a traditional tenure to an at-will system of employment for patterns of racial inequality in the public sector. On the basis of these consequences, it is argued that an at-will system may negate the long-standing status of the public arena as the labor market niche for African Americans. The broad discretion of employers may increase susceptibility of African Americans to discrimination-induced job dismissals. In addition, employment at will may reduce the social-psychological benefits traditionally associated with government employment.
KW - employment
KW - inequality
KW - public sector
KW - race
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=34247666224&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0734371X06287736
DO - 10.1177/0734371X06287736
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:34247666224
VL - 26
SP - 178
EP - 187
JO - Review of Public Personnel Administration
JF - Review of Public Personnel Administration
SN - 0734-371X
IS - 2
ER -