E. Napp Labor and Wages In this lesson, students will be able to identify the impact of education on...

E. Napp

Labor and Wages In this lesson, students will be able to identify the impact of education on wages and the impact of discrimination on wages.

Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms:

Labor Force

Four Kinds of Workers

Glass Ceiling

Affirmative Action

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The labor force is defined as all nonmilitaryworkers over 16 who are employed or

unemployed (but looking for work).

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Four Kinds of Workers• Unskilled workers possess no specialized

skills or training.

• Semi-skilled workers have minimal skills.

• Skilled workers have specialized skills and training.

• Professional workers have advanced education.

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A restaurant server is an unskilled worker.

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A lifeguard is a semi-skilled worker.

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An electricianis a

skilled worker.

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A doctor is a professional

worker.

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The moreeducated a

worker is, thehigher theworker’swage.

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The Glass Ceiling

• Sometimes gender discrimination prevents female employees from advancing.

• Economists speak of a glass ceiling.

• A glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that prevents women from advancing in the workplace.

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Gender discrimination

prevents womenfrom advancing

in the workplace.A glass ceiling

exists.

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Affirmative Action• Affirmative action promotes the hiring of

women and minorities.

• Affirmative action policies recognize that women and minorities have historically been denied access to certain jobs.

• Affirmative action policies seek to remedy past injustices and promote diversity in the workplace.

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Affirmative action policies are frequentlydebated.

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Educationleads to

higher wagesbut gender

discriminationstill affects

wages.

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Questions for Reflection:

• Who is considered part of the labor force?

• How does education affect wages?

• What is the difference between unskilled workers, semi-skilled workers, skilled workers, and professional workers?

• How does the glass ceiling affect women?

• Why do affirmative action policies exist?