Abstract This research investigates the wagestructure in the Japanese labor market, with a focus on differentiation in wages and determination mechanisms based on developments in the Japanese economy in the 1980s and 1990s. Wage inequality with regard to skills levels, and to gender are discussed. Recommendations and solutions to the problem of wage differentials are made.
Abstract This paper explains that, even if Canada is not at all a world leader in terms of rewarding its IT workforce, IT workers have seen their wages rise sharply compared to the wages of other Canadians. The author points out that computerization and technological advancement have made many jobs obsolete and many workers redundant. The paper relates that the rise of computerization and the concomitant rise in new communication, conceptualization and manufacturing technologies paint a bleak picture for workers who are not facile with the latest software or tools. The author concludes that technological change in Canada has deepened the cleavages between various groups and that the country is rushing towards a serious crisis if something cannot be done to better facilitate the entry of millions of Canadians into the twenty-first century economy.
From the Paper "Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing businesses in Canada have become more prevalent in recent decades. In fact, a study conducted in the late 1980s underscores just how daunting the job prospects were even then for workers who lacked the requisite training in computer technology. To wit, "CAD/CAM" firms by even the middle 1980s were profoundly re-shaping their organizational structure and functions because of new computer technology; in a similar vein, expenditures in the area of technological innovation were being pushed even then as a means of eliminating costly and "superfluous" workers."
Abstract This paper discusses how an increase in the Canadian minimum wage to $10 an hour would be controversial as has been every increase in minimum wage since the first introduction of legislation in support of a minimum wage in Canada in 1918. This essay presents arguments both for and against raising the minimum wage to $10 an hour in Canada as a national standard. The paper shows how such an action will have some negative impact upon the Canadian economy in that it will increase labour costs and, as a result, may somewhat increase inflationary pressures.
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of wage disparity across Canada, which has long been a concern not only of the general population but also of the various federal government administrations throughout the years, as well as the provincial governments. The paper explains that a genuine concern of government bodies and researchers alike is that of ensuring not necessarily wage parity across professions, but of ensuring livable wages across all demographics. The paper maintains that discussing and properly framing the wage disparity issues for Canadians is important because the consequences of not addressing this issue are enormous and, ultimately, far more costly to ignore than to repair.
Abstract This paper aims to identify the relationship between unemployment and its affective nature on the family structure and posits that there is a significant relationship between the two, wherein unemployment leads to the weakening of the family structure and a decrease in self-esteem of the individual. Further, factors influencing family dissolution and low self-esteem or psychological well-being due to unemployment are also discussed. These objectives are achieved through study of related literature on the topic.
From the Paper "Human society has forces that sometimes create balances and imbalances among individuals within the society. With this premise, it can be said that some changes within the social structure may be beneficial to an individual and detrimental for the other. Indeed, one illustration of these imbalances in the society is the negative, or non-beneficial, effects of unemployment of an individual on his/her family. Although unemployment may be best viewed as an economic issue, the social and psychological effects that it brings to the individual and society makes it an essential issue to be discussed in the domains of sociology and psychology."
Abstract Canada is internationally recognized as a culturally diverse nation that emphasizes the concept of "The Mosaic". No other country in the world encompasses inhabitants from so many different backgrounds who exhibit strong loyalty towards Canada, while still preserving their cultural heritage. This is contrasted to the American ideal of the "Melting Pot", which attempts to shape all of their citizens into a set mold. Canada's philosophy is believed to be more effective and respectful than that which is possessed by our American neighbours. The following discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, and analyzes the impact of the structures on each country's society.
From the Paper "Canada is world renown for being one of the most tolerant, welcoming, and democratic countries in the world - a dynamic mosaic of multiculturalism where people live and work together in harmony. Over the past 150 years, more than 14 million people have immigrated to Canada, with 16% of the 30 million citizens being first-generation immigrants. The Government of Canada is committed to a policy of diversity designed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians, while striving to achieve equality in the economic, social, cultural and political aspects of Canada. In 1991, the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship conducted a survey, which revealed high levels of Canadian values and identity. Six out of ten interviewees portrayed a "deep emotional attachment to Canada" and 95% believe they can be proud of being a citizen and of their ancestry simultaneously. As a nation, Canada is continually becoming more diverse in its practices, which requires residents to expand their knowledge and appreciate other cultures."
Abstract This paper discusses how debate over increases to the minimum wage in Canada has been a commonplace since introduction of the Fair Wages Policy in the House of Commons in 1900. All provinces and territories in Canada have introduced minimum wage legislation and there is no national minimum wage standard across the country. Instead federal legislation generally reinforces provincial legislation in minimum wage. There exist wide differences in minimum wage legislation and levels between different provinces and even within the same province reflecting varying costs of living employment levels and even different legal traditions across the country.
Abstract This paper examines the public policy implications of minimum wage laws and to a lesser extent living-wage laws (with the understanding that the two are philosophically linked to each other). The author writes, for those of us just now entering the labor force, it would be unthinkable to contemplate the working world without the presence of a minimum wage law. The paper provides a brief history of labor law and public policy in the United States. The paper includes graphs and charts.
From the Paper "The minimum wage does not seem to be one of those causes over which people become sufficiently impassioned to protest in the streets. But that is in large measure only because when people are protesting in the streets they tend to call for economic fairness or distributive justice, and both of these concepts are connected to the idea of a minimum wage or its newer and more radical cousin, the living wage."
Abstract This paper examines gender wage discrimination. The paper discusses the pay differences between men and women in Canada today and the struggle of women to attempt to minimize these wage differences. It then analyzes material attempts to explain and measure the extent of the gender wage gap.
From the Paper " The Gender Wage Gap in Canada: An Analysis of Implications It is an unfortunate reality that Canadian working women today are being paid an average of seventeen-percent less than Canadian men for equivalent jobs. In response to this gender wage discrimination, there have been several attempts to explain and measure the extent of the gender wage gap. In definitive terms, the male-female average wage differential can be expressed as the difference in average endowments evaluated at the male of female pay structure and the difference in returns evaluated at the male or female average endowment."
The paper examines wage gaps between male and female employees performing the same job function, its history and steps that can be taken to change the situation.
Abstract This paper outlines some theories and the historical reasoning behind gendered wage discrimination and discusses proposed ways in which this disparity can be resolved in the modern world. The paper postulates that one of the major reasons behind wage discrimination is the perception of women as family orientated as opposed to career orientated. This perception, according to the paper's writer, make employers wary of hiring a potentially less productive employee.
Outline:
Introduction
Historical Underpinnings of Gendered Wage Gap
Possible Resolutions to Income Disparity
Works Cited
From the Paper "Individuals who are also employers eek to hire perceptually those employees who will create the least perceived difficulties in longevity and outside interest as a result of high level demands for productivity and profit and as a result of the fact that once an investment is made in an employee the employer's best interest is served by them sticking around. Additionally real employers discriminate against women (particularly those who are parents) as a matter of making wise business decisions, as if they hire a woman and she either enters parenthood or is pulled away from work (with excessive tardiness or reduced productivity due to family interruptions and responsibilities) she will not be an asset to the company but according to the law cannot be let go without the risk of penalty. (Correll, Benard and In Paik, 2007, pp. 1297-1300) The pay differential then could be an aspect of the fact that women tend to gravitate toward professions (when job seeking and career planning) that are perceived to be less discriminatory toward women (and more of a sure thing for employment) and such positions subsequently pay less, because they have been feminized. Bobbitt-Zeher points out that this trend can be traced back to educational goals and achievement and that even though women have had increasing success in education (the ideal universal remover of obstacles) they still continue to gravitate away from perceived highly masculine professions and therefore less often challenge such differentials despite increased educational attainment. (2007, pp. 1-22) That the variation in pay and achievement can be influenced negatively by increased legal and social support measures is frustrating as enforcement of family friendly laws can and does broaden rather than narrow the gap in some areas, as women are continually discriminated against in hiring and wage differentials where their perceived commitment is broader than work."
Abstract The paper discusses the minimum wage legislation and sheds light on arguments against and in favor of this important law. We need to understand that the minimum wage law is not supported by all sections of the society,and that some believe it leads to unemployment and inflation. But the proponents of the legislation feel that it increases productivity and consumer spending which are essential for the positive growth of the economy.
Abstract This paper is an open letter to the United States Congress in regard to plans to potentially increase the federal minimum wage in order to combat poverty. The author argues that any such bills should be endorsed because they are in the long-term interests of the working poor. Increases in the federal minimum wage will have the effect of alleviating poverty in the United States.
From the Paper "The issue of whether or to increase the federal minimum wage is a significant one. The debate has become highly politicized, with proponents and opponents staunchly allied along nearly unbreakable partisan lines. Given the political nature of the debate, it can be difficult to determine the best course of action. Should the federal minimum wage be increased or not? That is the basic question. The answer to that question must be determined upon what one hopes to accomplish by voting one way or the other. If one's interest is in maintaining the stranglehold that corporate interests have on the American working poor through wage slavery, then obviously you should vote against any increases in the federal minimum wage."
Abstract The paper explains how an overall increase in the number of African-American and Hispanic persons living within the United States has created an increased focus on the concept of a population shift, specifically in terms of demographic composition. This paper asks whether minorities can expect to make a basic living wage (e.g. live above the poverty line) by the year 2070.
From the Paper "The United States has traditionally been dominated in terms of political and economic power by Caucasians, an outcome that is in part a holdover from the European populations who initially established the country as well as in part the result of various social, cultural, and religious influences that have helped Caucasians maintain their status."
Abstract In recent months, the furor over the release of Karla Homolka has sparked heated debate and calls for a review of the Canadian justice system. The following paper examines three contentious areas of the Canadian legal system that seem in desperate need of a reassessment. The first of these revolves around the growing perception that the Canadian judiciary is arrogant, perhaps even irresponsible, and simply unresponsive to the concerns of ordinary Canadians. The second area revolves around the treatment of aboriginal peoples within the Canadian justice system and the third and last area revolves around the difficulty that Canadian law-makers and justices are having in reconciling the somewhat amorphous multiculturalism they embrace in theory with the fundamental liberal democratic tenets that under-gird the Canadian justice system.
Abstract This paper reviews the Canadian film industry, one that is said to be a composite of three different unique bodies that have combined to create a dynamic film environment; albeit not a uniquely Canadian one. The paper goes on to discuss how while the indigenous Canadian film industry is still extant it might be described as moribund at best. If not for governmental support for the indigenous film industry, independent Canadian film making might already be extinct. The Canadian film industry is relatively healthy overall but the figures indicate strictly indigenous Canadian films, outside of one or two major production houses, may suffer revenue and market difficulties in the years ahead.
