International Aspects of Social Reform in the Interwar Period

30 Pages Posted: 7 Mar 2004

See all articles by Douglas A. Galbi

Douglas A. Galbi

Federal Communications Commission

Date Written: June 12, 1993

Abstract

The reconstruction of the international order after World War I put great emphasis on social reforms through the International Labor Organization (ILO). Three types of arguments were used to promote social reform. The first asserted that international economic competition meant that social reform had to be coordinated internationally in order to maintain the relative competitiveness of countries. The second proposed that social reform was necessary to preserve the stability of states, and hence the stability of the international system. The third appealed for international action on the basis of common notions of human dignity. The idea that common concern about human dignity demanded international action became an assertion of human rights. While this understanding of human rights has helped to inform the pursuit of social justice, the history of the founding and program of the ILO in the interwar period shows that other arguments for social reform have also been historically influential.

Keywords: International law, human rights, labor, International Labour Organization, social reform

JEL Classification: F02, I38, J28, K33, O19

Suggested Citation

Galbi, Douglas, International Aspects of Social Reform in the Interwar Period (June 12, 1993). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=510142 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.510142

Douglas Galbi (Contact Author)

Federal Communications Commission ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://www.galbithink.org

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