Economics Commons^™

Review Of Disposable People: New Slavery In The Global Economy. Kevin Bales. Reviewed By Jo Beall,London School Of Economics., Jo Beall

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Kevin Bales, Disposable people: New Slavery in the Global Economy. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1999. $24.95 hardcover.

Exploitation-The Invisible Hand Guided By A Blind Eye: Confronting A Flaw In Economic Theory, Phillip Dybicz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Economics is alone among the social science disciplines in failing to have a sound theory to explain behaviors when people do not act according to their self-interest, that is, with compassion. This has resulted in a fundamental flaw in economic thought. As economies have grown in scale and complexity, there has been a corresponding distancing between consumers and producers. This flaw has revealed itself through a lack of economic structures which bridge this distance, restore a level of intimacy within the economic interaction, and hence facilitate the expression of compassion.

The Dynamics Of Unskilled Wages: Analyses Of Earnings Instability And Trends In The Low-Skill Labor Market In The United States, Michael Mamo

Dissertations

This dissertation is an econometric analysis of the earnings trends and instability for less-skilled workers during the 1970s through the 1990s. The study is divided into two major sections, dealing, respectively, with a longitudinal study of earnings instability and a time-series analysis of the trends in less-skilled wages.

In the first section, the empirical autocovariance structure of earnings is parameterized and estimated using the generalized method o f moments (GMM). The analysis of longitudinal earnings data indicates that unskilled earnings had become unstable during most o f the sample period particularly during the 1980s, despite the long economic expansion that …

Review Of International Development. David Stoesz, Charles Guzetta And Mark Lusk. Reviewed By Anthony Hall, London School Of Economics And Political Science., Anthony Hall

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of David Stoesz, Charles Guzzetta and Mark Lusk, International Development. Boston, Allyn and Bacon, 1999. $56.67 hardcover.

The Economics Of Work And Family 2000-01, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

"The Economics of Work and Family" is the 37th annual Public Lecture-Seminar Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. This year's series focuses on the economics of work and family, including the importance of child care policy, the economics of fertility, and the effects of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. This year, the series is directed by Dr. Emily P. Hoffman, Professor of Economics, and Dr. Jean Kimmel, Senior Economist at the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, which is the co-sponsor of the series. Assisting Drs. Hoffman and Kimmel are Professors Wei-Chiao …

The Economics Of Health Care 1999-00, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

The Economics of Health Care is the thirty-sixth annual Public Lecture-Seminar Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. This year the series focuses on the role of governments, enterprises, and consumers in health care insurance and provision. This year's series is directed by Huizhong Zhou, Associate Professor of Economics, with the assistance of Donald L. Alexander, Bassam Harik and Allan Hunt, and is co-sponsored by the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All Wednesday afternoon lectures, followed by a question and answer session and a reception, are open to the public. During his or her …

Temporary Employment: The Spanish Experience, Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes

Dissertations

In an effort to promote employment flexibility and reduce the unemployment rate, Spanish authorities deregulated temporary employment in the early 1980s. Nonetheless, the deregulation of temporary employment took place at the margin, favoring the development of a dual labor market in which temporary workers constituted a second class of workers involuntarily employed and enduring limited advancement opportunities.

Using data from the Spanish labor force survey, Spanish temporary employment and job transitions into and out of temporary employment are examined. The study first evaluates the incidence of Spanish temporary employment and its involuntary and demand-led character. Secondly, the analysis reveals temporary …

Contested Workplace: The Case Of The Strike Of The United Food And Commercial Workers Union Versus Meijer, Barbara Thomas Coventry, Marietta Morrissey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper examines the struggle between labor and management at four, newly-opened supermarket/discount stores, culminating in a strike. It considers workplace control as an issue in the strike and its resolution. Edwards' typology of workplace control is reviewed, along with other indirect forms of control explored in recent literature. Workers complained most stridently about direct control mechanisms. Workers' objections to technical and bureaucratic control played only a minor part in workers' decision to strike and the work stoppage's outcome. Indirect controls, including customer and gender-specific control mechanisms, were seldom questioned or acknowledged by workers. On the other hand, both the …

The Economics Of Sports: Winners And Losers 1998-99, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

The Economics of Sports: Winners and Losers, is the thirty-fifth annual Public Lecture-Seminar Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. This year the series focuses on economic issues in the world of sports. This year's series is directed by William S. Kem, Associate Professor in the WMU Economics Department, with the assistance of Donald L. Alexander, Wei-Chiao Huang and George Erickcek, and is co-sponsored by the WE. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All Wednesday afternoon lectures, followed by a question and answer session, are open to the public. In addition, each scholar will also present an …

Underdevelopment As Meta-Axiological Dilemma: The Socioeconomic Implications Of African Axiology For Rational Choice Determinants Of Microeconomic Agency, Sundiata Keita Ibn-Hyman

Dissertations

The intergenerational problems of indigence, poverty and social dysfunction that plague African societies are inextricably grounded in the broader issue of ethnocentrism in neoclassical microeconomics. Economic anthropology provides a methodological critique of the conceptual limitations of neoclassical micro-behavioral assumptions narrowly imposed on non-westem economic organization. While recognizing non-westem economic praxes, the sociological implications of strict neoclassical microeconomic agency for non-westem socioeconomic development is conspicuously ignored. The critique fails to specifically consider the impact of neoclassical ethnocentrism to non-westem sociocultural organization and improvement.

This research utilizes an African-centered, social psychological approach to examine the paradigmatic implications of rational choice criteria for …

Michigan State Government Employment Sector: Are We In Line With The National Trends?, Thomas Walter Cronkright Ii

Honors Theses

Examines the national trends of employment to make a comparison for Michigan State government employment. Results show that Michigan's public employment trends do not follow national employment trends in a comparable way. Michigan is distinct from the nation for several reasons: a hiring freeze placed on Michigan State Departments, higher levels of union participation and employee pay, and benefits packages that cost more than the Executive Branch of the U.S. government. Thus, either Michigan provides superior benefits or it pays a premium for those benefits. Suggests further research is needed.

When Is Transition Over? 1997-98, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

When is Transition Over? is the thirty-fourth annual Public Lecture-Seminar Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. This year, the series focuses on the dramatic changes sweeping through the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and China--changes that have challenged policy makers and fascinated economists. This year's series is directed by Annette N. Brown, Assistant Professor in the WMU Economics Department, with the assistance of Sisay Asefa, William Kem, Christopher O'Leary, and Huizhong Zhou, and is co-sponsored by the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All Wednesday afternoon lectures, followed by …

Market Mechanisms And Consumer Involvement In The Delivery Of Mental Health Services: A Uk-Us Comparison, Wes Shera

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Both the United Kingdom and the United States Are in the midst of health care reform. By focusing on services for the severely mentally ill this paper compares recent developments in managed care in the U.S. and care management in the U.K. It particularly focuses on the use of market mechanisms and consumer involvement in these reforms.

The Impact Of Market Economy Transition On Social Security And Social Welfare In Poland, Morgan A. Tracy, Martin B. Tracy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The development of certain facets of Poland's social protection system since the collapse of state socialism in 1989 is analyzed using a comparative policy process analysis model. Particulara ttention is given to the programs of social assistance, child-care and family benefits, and old-age pensions in the Polish context. On the basis of the analysis it is argued that policy makers should give greater consideration to Poland's unique historical and cultural experience relative to addressing social issues.

Deforestation And Rural Poverty In Developing Countries: The Role Of Social Work, Shanta Pandey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

To alleviate rural poverty most developing countries have been launching a wide variety of rural development activities. In this paper I discuss the relationship between deforestation and rural poverty, policies governing reforestation initiatives and the role of social workers in these efforts. The paper argues for and illustrates the various roles social workers can play in development programs to alleviate rural poverty in developing countries.

Refugee Resettlement In The United States: Implications For International Social Welfare, Miriam Potocky

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An analysis of U.S. refugee resettlement policy reveals approaches that do not address several root causes of resettlement difficulties: cultural differences, post-traumatic stress disorder, and discrimination by the host culture. Several recommendations are made for policy improvements, and suggestions for the future of international social welfare are presented.

The Marginalization Of Social Welfare In Developing Countries: The Relevance Of Theories Of Social Policy Development, Kwong-Leung Tang

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social welfare development has been marginalized in many developing countries. This study examines the social policies of developing countries and refers to four major theories of social policy development (social conscience, modernization, dependency and diffusion) to see if they offer an explanation of the phenomenon. It is argued that dependency theory and diffusion theory provide better interpretations than the other two theories. The paper shows how theories of social policy have international relevance in explaining current trends in social welfare.

Sustainable Development And Social Development: Necessary Partners For The Future, Joyce M. Kramer, Claude D. Johnson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper highlights the finite limits of global resources, the rapid global changes that are occurring, and the authors' concerns about the failure of the world community to come to grips with global problems. Major impediments to achieving global sustainability and social development are discussed and suggestions are presented for remedial strategies to redirect society along a more equitable and sustainable future path.

Equality And Family Policy In International Perspective: Toward A Feminist Theory Of The State, Patricia Spakes

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This three country comparison uses case studies of family policy in Britain, Canada and the US to explain how governments utilize family policies to maintain patriarchal systems and to promote labor force and economic goals. The paper examines how equality/difference theories are applied in family policy. Propositions are developed in order to provide a basis for developing new approaches to family policy based on gender equality.

Technology Transfer And Integrated Social Development: International Issues And Possibilities For Social Work, James O. Billups,, Maria C. Julia,

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Technology transfer and integrated social development are closely linked aspects of social work practice that deserve more serious attention than they have received to date. Social workers need to play more knowledgeable and active roles in utilizing a broad-scale partnership model that will help communities and societies screen and adapt technologies so that they can be appropriately integrated with people's values, culture, concerns and aspirations. Everyone should ultimately benefit if the poor and disempowered peoples of the world in particular become the primary focus and the beneficiaries of less arrogant and more inclusive strategies of technology transfer. The aim of …

Protecting Women's Jobs: Unions And Deindustrialization, Marietta Morrissey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper explores the impact of union membership on a group of unskilled women workers at a public university in a midwestern city. Although the region has experienced high levels of unemployment in recent years, women subjects have been relatively insulated from job loss. Consistent with other research findings on the consequences of unionization, interviews with 18 women indicate that their job tenure is long, tendency to exit jobs low, and wages and benefits relatively good. African-American and white women have slightly different employment histories, however, reflecting patterns of discrimination and occupational segregation in the work place. Regional economic change …

Telecommunications: Have Regulators Dialed The Wrong Number? 1995-96, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

Telecommunications: Have Regulators Dialed the Wrong Number? is the thirty-second Annual Public Seminar Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. This year's series is directed by Professor Donald L Alexander of the WMU Economics Department, and is co-sponsored by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. The public is cordially invited to attend the seminars and no admission 1s charged.

The Economics Of Rich And Poor: The Political Economy Of Income Redistribution 1994-95, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

The Economics of Rich and Poor is the thirty-first Annual Public Lecture Series conducted by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. This series is co-sponsored by the Department of Economics and the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All lectures are open to the public.

The Dual Face Of Empowerment: A Model For Cooperative Resource Building, Eric C. Albers, Nancy Paolini

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Homelessness among families with children has become a nationwide problem. Although homelessness is difficult to document, it is estimated that approximately 250,000 to 3,000,000 people in the United States are homeless. Families, which comprise approximately one third of the homeless population, is its fastest growing segment (Mihaly, 1991; National Coalition for the Homeless, 1989; Van Vliet, 1989). This may be a conservative figure. Some of these families often go uncounted because they are part of the "invisible" homeless. They avoid agency contact for fear of losing their children or live in motels, cars, or campgrounds and thereby are not counted …

The Impact Of Work History On Economic Security At Old Age Among Africans In South Africa, Martha Tshitshi S. Mbatha

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Work histories of most Africans in South Africa determine whether or not they will be poor at old age. To illustrate this point, the author uses the literature and data collected from elderly Africans. Findings show racial discrimination in education and in the labor market as resulting in the concentration of the majority of Africans in low paying jobs. Low wages and the absence of a national pension scheme prevent most Africans from saving for their retirement. African workers constitute the largest percentage of the working poor in South Africa. Their circumstances are unlikely to change even after retirement. At …

The Underground Economy 1993-94, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

The Underground Economy is the thirtieth Annual Public Lecture Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. In this series the concerns of policymakers and economists about the alleged growth in underground legal and illegal economic activity are explored. This year's series is directed by Susan Pozo of the WMU Economics Department and is co-sponsored by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All lectures (followed by a question and answer session) are open to the public.

Human Capital And Economic Development 1992-93, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

"Human Capital and Economic Development" is the twenty-ninth Annual Public Lecture Series organized by the Department of Economics at Western Michigan University. This year's series, which aims to explore the role of Human Capital in Economic Development from the national and international dimensions, is co-directed by Professors Sisay Asefa and Wei-Chiao Huang of the WMU Economics Department, and is co-sponsored by the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All lectures are open to the public and no admission is charged. A question and answer session will follow each lecture.

Democracy And Capitalism: The Issue Joined From Within, Christopher E. Bischoff

Masters Theses

This study utilizes contemporary and classical literature to illuminate the complexities of Western democracy. Of specific focus is American democracy and the effects that capitalism has had upon democracy in America. The achievement of democracy on the scale of the modern nation-state appears problematic even without the adversarial burdens posed by a capitalist economic consort. It emerges that American democracy is particularly compromised by its roots in liberal tradition. Forced by nature to depend upon the allocative abilities of its economic consort, democracy must endure a relationship that dramatically undermines its ideological orientation. Although American democracy is not yet in …

The Global Economy And The American Welfare State, Howard Jacob Karger

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The American social welfare state is approaching a crisis because of the global economy. Survival in a new world economy requires corporations to become more efficient, a strategy which leads to a rapidly changing technology, plant shutdowns, and industrial reorganization. To aid corporations, government often curbs taxes to make capital available for investment. These policies can lead to governmental debt, reduced welfare services, a deterioration in the infrastructure, and myriad social problems. This article investigates the effects of the global economy on the American welfare state.

The Economics Of Education 1991-92, Department Of Economics

Werner Sichel Lecture Series

No abstract provided.