Abstract
Argues that the effects of financial liberalization on employment and incomes often carry disturb economic and social development and that financial liberalization warrants at least as much attention as trade liberalization. Compares and weighs the potential benefits in terms of growth against the adverse effects of volatility and crisis of financial liberalization, and in particular with debt and portfolio flows. Stresses the concern of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization that gains in trade and FDI run the risk of being set back by financial instability and crisis. Concludes that volatility in international financial markets is currently one of the most harmful factors for enterprises and labour in developing countries.Stresses the need for greater policy coherence between international and national financial, economic and employment policies aimed at giving greater attention to employment and incomes.