Changing employment under a changing mode of development : with special reference to Palmerston North : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography at Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract

The old Fordist mode of development is being replaced by a Flexible mode of development. A new regime of accumulation, modes of regulation and technologies are being formed giving rise to new ways of organising business. Firms are restructuring to maintain profitability and this is having profound effects on labour and the way we work.

Employment is becoming more casualised through increased use of part-time, temporary and sub-contracted labour. New social groups are being brought into the workforce and new productive spaces are being created to complement a flexible business organisation.

At a regional level, the experiences are dependent upon historical and geographical conditions which give rise to regional uniqueness. Palmerston North displays regional uniqueness in terms of a high dependence on the Government sector and on service industries. It is aided by its geographical location and amenities such as Massey University. However, because of its place in a capitalist nation and global economy it is subject to similar forces that affect other regions thereby producing similar employment patterns.

Such employment patterns include a decline in full-time employment with rises in part-time employment, self-employment and unemployment. Those employed in the service industry are increasing along with those employed in managerial or administrative occupations. Manufacturing employment is decreasing. These trends are reshaping work and regions.