This dissertation deals with a widespread feature of agricultural labor markets: that laborers are frequently 'attached' to particular landlords over long periods of time. The dissertation begins by reviewing the literature on attached labor contracts. The core of the dissertation consists of two theoretical models which attempt to understand the nature and purpose of attached labor contracts. The first model deals with laborers who are unskilled workers, and the second with laborers who are skilled laborers/managers. The dissertation concludes with an analysis of bonded labor legislation in India, and land reform legislation in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. While the dissertation draws its stylized facts from India, the analysis is applicable to other geographic regions as well.; The first theoretical model analyzes attached labor relations in the context of interlinkages between the labor and credit markets. In this model attached laborers perform menial tasks which can be performed by any laborer. The model posits a scenario of uncertainty in agricultural production and the consumption needs of laborers, and provides a rationale for why the suggested contract may emerge as a market solution. The model is then used to undertake comparative static exercises to understand how changes in the economic and social environment will impact upon the terms of the contract. A simulation exercise is carried out to highlight the difference between attached and non-attached laborers.; The second theoretical paper analyzes attached labor relations in the context of the interlinkages between the land, labor and agricultural input markets. Attached labor contracts are modeled as mechanisms by which landlords develop a loyal, dependable labor force. Such a labor force is needed by the landlord to accomplish tasks for which he cannot hire workers in the open market. The attached laborers in this model perform specialized tasks and the phenomenon of attachment is important for the execution of these tasks. As in the previous model both landlords and attached laborers gain from the arrangement. A simulation exercise based on the model is carried out under different sets of circumstances. The results of the model and the simulation exercises are then used to understand some interesting issues in the agricultural development literature.; The final chapter of the dissertation analyzes two sets of laws relevant to the attached laborers discussed in this thesis--laws relating to the abolition of debt bondage, and laws connected with land reforms. It argues that while such laws may have the best of intentions, often the outcomes deviate from the intent. Based on the results of the first theoretical model it questions the rationale of making illegal some forms of attached labor relations in India, and makes some modest policy suggestions. The dissertation concludes with an evaluation of land reform legislation in the Indian state of Tamilnadu.
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