Chapter 14: Work and Economic Life (Concept Questions)

Describe six characteristics that shape one's everyday experiences at work.

Six characteristics that shape one's everyday experiences at work:

1.) Money: A wage or salary is the main resource many people depend on. Without an income, anxieties about coping with day-to-day life tend to multiply.

2.) Activity Level: Work allows for the development and exercise of skills. Even routine work offers a structured environment in which a person's energies may be absorbed. Without work, the opportunity to exercise such skills and capacity.

3.) Variety: Work provides a routine change from domestic life.

4.) Structuring one's time: Work gives an individual a sense of direction. Without a structured work schedule, individuals may feel aimless.

5.) Social contacts: Workplace often provides friendships and opportunities to participate in shared activities

6.) Personal Identity: Work often defines who the individual is as a person. A sense of social identity. Work plays a major role in an individuals self-esteem.

Name two forms of unpaid labor.

Two forms of unpaid labor include housework (domestic labor) and volunteering.

Contrast the division of labor in traditional and modern societies

The division of labor in traditional societies was far less complex than that of modern societies. Even in the most complex traditional societies there were no more than 20 or 30 major craft trades. In modern societies there are thousands and thousands of jobs which leads to economic interdependence.

Describe four forms capitalism has taken.

Capitalism has taken four defined forms:

1.) Family Capitalism

2.) Welfare Capitalism

3.) Institutional Capitalism

4.) Global Capitalism

What are two key differences between Fordism and post-Fordism?

One key difference between Fordism and post-Fordism is the market each produces for. Fordism is based around mass production for a mass consumer base, while post-Fordism uses flexible production aimed at meeting market demands for customized products (toys based off movies). Another key difference between Fordism and post-Fordism is the fact that Fordism had local, "in-house" work while post-Fordism has a "race to the bottom" ideal where most work is globalized, or outsourced.

Define and provide an example of an informal economy.

Informal economy is based off economic transactions carried on outside the sphere of traditional paid employment. An example of the informal economy is a nanny or a yard worker who take cash directly or "off the books"

What are three defining characteristics of transnational corporations?

Transnational or multinational corporations are business corporations located in two or more countries. They do an international division of labour. The specialization in producing goods for the world market that divides regions into zones of industrial or agricultural production or high or low skilled labour. They also plan globally - on a truly world scale. They developed global networks.

According to Freeman and Roger's research, how can workplaces be changed to better meet the desires of modern workers?

The study has shown that people want more influence at work. American workers believe that if they had more say over how production were carried out, not only would they enjoy work more but also their firms would be more competitive and problems would be solved more effectively. The attitude about work is also important and their degree of influence so that they enjoy going to work. Workers prefer an organization run jointly by workers and management to one run by employees alone.

Provide three explanations for growing unemployment in the United States

One explanation for growing unemployment in the United States is the rise of international competition in industries on which U.S. prosperity used to be founded (outsourcing). Another explanation is the economic recessions we have faced (late 1980s and 2007-2008). A third explanation is the increasing use of microelectronics in industry (reduces labor needs).

What is a labor union? Why have unions in the United States suffered from a decline in membership since the 1980's

A labor union is an organization that represents laborers. Labor unions represent workers in wage and benefit negotiations, and working conditions disputes with employers. The union density in the US has declined as the United State's manufacturing sector has been outsourced to other countries as the US has moved to more sector-service based economy (retail, wholesale, trade, education, and health services) which is, historically, resistant to unionization.

Why does automation lead to worker alienation?

Automation causes worker alienation by stripping jobs of meaning, reducing worker autonomy, and creating feelings of insecurity through surveillance and potential job replacement.

What are the fastest-growing job sectors? Based on these trends, what are the implications for careers in the future?

The fastest-growing job sectors are healthcare and social assistance, professional, scientific, and technical services (AI/data), and renewable energy

In you opinion, how will globalization change the nature of work?

Globalization is fundamentally transforming work by breaking geographical barriers, accelerating remote collaboration, and increasing competition for talent.