Economic effects of occupational regulation

This thesis is motivated by the wish to balance the public debate on regulation. It aims to teach public and policy-makers about the seen und unseen effects as well as regulatory options of a particular form of regulation – occupational licensing – by using the German crafts experience. National occupational licensing schemes have been steadily on the rise since the Second World War, in both Europe and the US. The German crafts sector has been subject to a licensing requirement for self-employment since the 1950’s in its current form, however for several crafts trades this requirement was relieved or abolished in 2004 in order to cater to European goals of integrated, free markets