4.5: Work and the Economy
Read this chapter for a review of work and the economy. As you read each section, consider the following topics:
- Take note of the bold terms found in this section. What kinds of goods and services do you rely on to function in life?
- Take note of the types of economic systems and their historical development. Explore how functionalists, conflict theorists, and symbolic interactionists view the economy and work.
- Focus on globalization and its manifestation in modern society. Take note of the pros and cons of globalization from an economic standpoint.
- Take note of the current United States' workforce and the trend of polarization. Concentrate on how women and immigrants have impacted the modern American workforce. Lastly, focus on the basic elements of poverty in the U.S. today.
Watch this video on economic inequality. Also take a look at the infographic in an article that explains Piketty's talk further: https://ideas.ted.com/thomas-pikettys-capital-in-the-twenty-first-century-explained/.
Consider capitalism and socialism as opposite ends of the economic system spectrum. If one of the main critiques of capitalism is inequality, what is the main critique of socialism? Where does the US economic system fall on the spectrum?- Receive a grade
Use this quiz to help you check your understanding of subunit 4.5. Once your score has been calculated, review your class notes and resource materials to better understand any questions you answered incorrectly.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.