This text is the product of the authors' three decades experience in teaching labor market economics and conducting research aimed at influencing public policy. The authors develop the modern theory of labor market behavior, summarize empirical evidence supporting or contradicting each hypothesis, and illustrate the usefulness of various theories for public policy analysis. Theory is presented within context nontraditional, business, historical, and cross-cultural through numerous detailed policy examples in each chapter. This thoroughly revised Ninth Edition includes updated material throughout, plus new chapters on frictions in the labor market, and a new boxed feature focused on empirical techniques.