Labour in the European Single Market: cultural perspectives vs. neoclassical views

Abstract

The European Single Market (ESM) enables free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the EU, creating a unified internal space much like a single nation-state. Key among these freedoms is labour mobility, which not only allows individuals to pursue better employment but also promotes EU integration and cohesion. This paper explores how labour market theories-the cultural perspective and the neoclassical viewpoint-influence the ESM's structure and impact on integration. Through content analysis of academic literature and EU legislation, it examines how these perspectives shape the conceptualization of the European labour market. The analysis aims to clarify whether the ESM aligns more closely with cultural or neoclassical ideals and to assess how this alignment affects the EU's integration process. The study's findings shed light on the theoretical foundations that guide the EU's approach to labour mobility within the ESM and their broader implications for European unity.

Keywords

• single market
• european integration
• labour market
• the cultural perspective
• the neoclassical view