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Work and the Economy

Chapter Ten. Work and the Economy. The Changing Economy. Agrarian Society – a society in which agriculture is the dominant form of work and people and animals are the major sources of energy.

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Work and the Economy

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  1. Chapter Ten Work and the Economy

  2. The Changing Economy • Agrarian Society – a society in which agriculture is the dominant form of work and people and animals are the major sources of energy. • Industrialization – economic development through a transformation of the sources and quantities of energy employed. • Capitalism – an economic system in which there is private, rather than state, ownership of wealth and control of the production and distribution of goods. • Globalization of the economy.

  3. Negative Impact of Globalization • Businesses and corporations have used downsizing to become “lean and mean.” • An increasing number of jobs are temporary or part-time, with no fringe benefits. • Unions continue to decline in membership and power. • Corporate tax obligations have been reduced. • When corrected for inflation, the income of many American families has declined.

  4. The Changing Workforce • Labor force – all civilians who are employed or unemployed but able and desiring to work. • Since 1940, the labor force has been growing faster than the population. • There is an increasing division of labor – the separation of work into specialized tasks. • The U.S. has moved into a service and an informational society, in which growing numbers of workers are needed outside the manufacturing areas.

  5. The Changing Composition of the Labor Force. • The educational level of the workforce has increased. • In 1970, 38.7% of the labor force had less than four years of high school. By 2005, only 9.6% had less than four years of high school. • The proportion of workers who are female has increased. • From 1950-2005, the participation rate of women rose from 32% to 59.3%. • Until the 1960s, the labor force became more unionized, but since the 1960s the proportion of workers who are members of unions has declined.

  6. Distribution of Occupations Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2003:399-401.

  7. Membership in Labor Unions and Membership as a Proportion of the Labor Force Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bulletin 1919 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1980); and U.S. Census Bureau 2003:431.

  8. The Changing Meaning of Work • Attains the goal of maximum consumption. • Work ethic – the notion that work is intrinsically good and useful and that people should therefore continue to work even if they are financially independent. • In 1999, 89% of workers surveyed said that they were satisfied with their job. • A 2005 survey of 5,000 households found that about half the workers were less than satisfied with their jobs.

  9. Work as a Social Problem • Unemployment and Underemployment • Temporary workers are underemployed because most of them are looking for full-time permanent employment. • In 2005, the unemployment rate was 5.1%. • Dissatisfaction and Alienation • In a capitalist society the worker is estranged from his or her own labor. • Work Hazards and Stress • In 2005, 5,702 workers were killed on the job.

  10. Unemployment Rates, 1948-2002

  11. Work and the Quality of Life Work, Unemployment, and Health • Work and Health • Work can have a negative impact on both the emotional and the physical well-being of workers. • Unemployment and Health • For most people unemployment is a traumatic experience. • Unemployment is associated with high levels of stress and lowered life satisfaction. Interpersonal Relationships • Work in stressful conditions can lead to conflict at home. • Shift work tends to depress marital happiness and interaction.

  12. Social Structural Factors The Capitalist Economy • Subservience of workers’ needs to organizational needs. • Union busting • Downsizing • Increased use of temporary and part-time workers. The Political Economy of Work • A large number of jobs provide inadequate support and benefits to enable a family to live well. • In 2005, 5.1% of the workforce held two or more jobs.

  13. Social Structural Factors—Continued • The Political Economy of Unemployment • Discriminatory unemployment involves high unemployment rates for particular groups. • There is an inverse relationship between unemployment and inflation. • The Organizational Context of Work: Unions • The union movement has been instrumental in bringing about higher wages, fringe benefits, and safer work conditions.

  14. Social Structural Factors—Continued • Contemporary Work Roles and Environments • Technological developments • Highly specialized tasks • Many jobs are now stressful • Depersonalization within the workplace • Efforts to maximize profits • The bureaucratization of work • The Political Economy of Work Hazards • The workplace death rate has been cut by more than a half since 1970.

  15. Social Psychological Factors • Attitudes • Public opinion about unions and union leaders is not strongly positive. • In a national survey, 29% of Americans said they disapprove of labor unions. • There is a sense of superiority that people have toward certain workers. • Socialization

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