Exam 13: The Economy and Work in Global Perspective

Sociologists focus on the complex workings of economic systems while economists focus on the interconnections among the economy and other social institutions.

Government intervention in the past two decades included billions of dollars in subsidies to farmers,tax credits for corporations,and large subsidies or loan guarantees to automakers,aircraft companies,railroads,and others.Overall,most corporations have gained much more than they have lost as a result of government involvement in the economy.

__________ unemployment arises because the skills demanded by employers do not match the skills of the unemployed or because the unemployed do not live where the jobs are located.This type of unemployment may be permanent.

Portions of contemporary sub-Saharan Africa have a relatively high rate of exports in commodities,and foreign direct investment is concentrated in mineral extraction.This is an example of __________ production.

In 1990,the United States became the first nation to formally address the issue of equality for persons with a disability.When Congress passed the Americans with Disability Act (ADA),this law established "a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability."

The __________ is the percentage of unemployed persons in the labor force actively seeking jobs.

All of the following are examples of positions within the lower tier of the service sector EXCEPT the:

When discussing the global economy in the future,it is important to note that in April 2011,the U.S.national debt was at more than __________.

Conflict theorists view the economy as a vital social institution because it is the means by which needed goods and services are produced and distributed.When the economy runs smoothly,other parts of society function more effectively.However,if the system becomes unbalanced,such as when demand does not keep up with production,maladjustment occurs (in this case a surplus).

__________ include U.S.automobile manufacturers (referred to as the "Big Three") and cereal companies (three of which own 77 percent of the market).

The institution of slavery,which came about largely as a result of the demand for cheap agricultural labor,was a major force in the exploitation of many people of color,but it was particularly the women of color who suffered a double burden of oppression in the form of both sexism and racism.

In hunting and gathering societies,the economy becomes distinct from family life.The distribution process becomes more complex,with the accumulation of a surplus such that some people can engage in activities other than food production.

Government ownership in Sweden is limited primarily to railroads,mineral resources,a public bank,and liquor and tobacco operations.The government is also heavily involved in providing services such as medical care,child care,and transportation.Sweden exemplifies:

Professionals are __________ in that they have licensing,accreditation,and regulatory associations that set professional standards and that require members to adhere to a code of ethics as a form of public accountability.

Companies such as Time Warner and Viacom have extensive holdings in radio and television stations,cable television companies,book publishing firms,and film production and distribution companies.These companies are referred to as:

Define capitalism and describe the four distinct features of "ideal" capitalism.

The policy of __________,which means "leave alone," was advocated by Economist Adam Smith in his 1776 treatise An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of Wealth of Nations.

Describe economic systems from the global perspective.

In their individual and collective struggles to improve their work environment and gain some measure of control over their work-related activities,workers have used a number of methods to resist workplace alienation.Many have joined __________ to gain strength through collective action.

Symbolic interactionists point out that job satisfaction often is related to __________ factors that pertain to the nature of the work itself.