Chapter 18

Economy and Work

Chapter Outline

Economy and Society The Changing Global Economy Theoretical Perspectives on Work Characteristics of the Labor Force Diversity in the American Occupational System Worker Safety 

The Industrial Revolution

Brought far-reaching social changes including:

The separation of work and family Transformation of the consumption of energy Specialization Cash-based economy 

Economic Systems

Capitalism - based on market competition, private property and pursuit of profit.

Socialism - the means of production are the property of the state.

Communism - state is the sole owner of the systems of production.

Functionalist Perspective on Work

Defines Work As functional for society because work teaches people the values of society and integrates people within the social order

Views Work Organizations

As functionally integrated with other social institutions

Interprets Changing Work Systems

As an adaptation to social change

Explains Wage Inequality

As motivating people to work harder

Conflict Perspective on Work

Defines Work As generating class conflict because of the unequal rewards associated with different jobs

Views Work Organizations

As producing alienation, especially among those who perform repetitive tasks

Interprets Changing Work Systems

As based in tensions arising from power differences between different class, race, and gender groups

Explains Wage Inequality

As reflecting the devaluation of different classes of workers

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective on Work

Defines Work As organizing social bonds between people who interact within work settings

Views Work Organizations

As interactive systems within which people form relationships and create beliefs that define their relationships to others

Interprets Changing Work Systems

As the result of the changing meanings of work resulting from changed social conditions

Explains Wage Inequality

As producing different perceptions of the value of different occupations

A Diverse Workplace

Majority of workers are White women and people of color.

As the “Baby Boomers” pass through middle age, the labor market will see an increase in the number of older people.

The better jobs now require education and training.

A Diverse Workplace

Manufacturing industries, where racial minorities have historically been able to get jobs, are in decline.

New technologies, corporate layoffs, underemployment, and the decline in real income are all features of today’s experience in the workplace.

Categories of Workers

Managerial and professional Technical, sales and administrative support Service occupations Precision production, craft and repair Operators, fabricators, and laborers Farming, forestry and fishing

Sexual Harassment

Two primary forms are recognized in the law: Quid pro quo - forces sexual compliance in

exchange for an employment or educational benefit.

Hostile working environment - unwanted sexual behaviors are a condition of work.

Immigration and the Labor Market

High rate of immigration is transforming the labor market

Some groups form areas of ethnically owned businesses that serve ethnic communities.

Worker Satisfaction and Safety

Greater worker satisfaction is associated with work that is:

Rewarding and challenging Provides for advancement Makes workers feel responsible for their

achievements.