Resumen

AUVERGNON, Philippe. The working poor phenomenon: revealing functions and tendencies of social law. Rev. latinoam. derecho soc [online]. 2012, n.14, pp.43-78. ISSN 2448-7899.

The present paper examines the notion of “working poor” which is not a legal concept itself, but refers to a social phenomenon characterized by people who despite working and receiving a salary, their lifestyle is below the poverty line. Sometimes we talk about workers who receive ‘low wages’ in Germany and low-income countries such as South Africa, instead of “working poor.” This term is rarely used because lawyers prefer concepts like atypical, vulnerable or precarious workers. We must remember that the “working poor” are, to say the least, a “moving target” with unique characteristics. This paper analyzes these phenomena: Who are these workers, what are the causes? And what is social law function in this problem?

Palabras llave : Precarious employment; poverty; working poor.

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