Exam 13: Work and the Economy

Using examples, explain what an oligopoly is.

Silvio has low-wage employment where he works long hours, is regularly exposed to toxic substances, and is three times more likely to suffer an industrial illness than others in similar jobs. According to the textbook, in what industry is Silvio most likely employed?

Selena works part-time at a grocery store and is hoping to gain enough hours to reach full-time status so she can both pay her rent and eat. What kind of worker is Selena?

Describe what the deskilling thesis is and outline the major criticisms of it.

In the middle of the 1800s, Willie was forced to close his blacksmith shop and get work in the new textile mill. According to the stages of labour market development model, which stage does Willie's situation characterize?

Discuss the major revolutions in the form and nature of the economy.

Discuss what corporations are and what influence they have on the Canadian economy.

Studies conducted at the Hawthorne plant of the Western Electric Company near Chicago demonstrated the need for a less dictatorial leadership style on the shop floor, and more attention to worker needs. What did this school of thought come to be known as?

What are the differences between the primary and secondary labour market?

What is the name for what is formed by Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, and Telus Mobility together?

What advantages do multinationals have as actors in the globalization game?

Explain why stress, depression, aggression, and substance abuse are on the rise in the primary and secondary labour markets.

What is the "time crunch" and why is it happening?

What is the difference between the sociological and neoclassical schools of economics in terms of how markets operate?

Ongka is the "Big Man" in a Papua New Guinea village. He ensures that all the members of his family raise cattle, which he takes to a nearby city and exchanges for goods that the village requires. Which societal institution is Ongka engaged in with his activities?

Discuss how a sociologist would approach the issue of the minimum wage.

Janet and her partner Sylvie have an organic farm. They sell vegetables in the summer at the local farmers' market and run a "brown box" program in the winter, delivering vegetables to local subscribers' doorsteps. Which sector of the economy are Janet and Sylvie engaged in?

What kind of organization is the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada most likely to be?

Kristin is a policy analyst for the federal government. Which sector of the economy is she engaged in?

A number of occupations in Canada have associations that license people working in the field, and only those in good standing with their associations get to use the occupational title and perform work in that field. What term best describes the effect of these licensing practices?