Question 1

Which of the following factors will make it easier for a labor union to increase the wages of its members?

Accepted Answer

If the demand for the products produced by the union labor is highly inelastic, it means that consumers are willing to pay higher prices for those products even if wages increase. This gives the union more bargaining power to negotiate for higher wages for its members.

Question 2

Most studies indicate that during the last two decades, the wages of union members have been approximately

Accepted Answer

Most studies indicate that during the last two decades, the wages of union members have been 14 to 19 percent higher than the wages of similar nonunion workers.

Question 3

Which of the following most accurately indicates changes in the size of the union sector in the United States?

Accepted Answer

As per historical data, union membership in the United States grew substantially during the period of 1935 through 1955, but since the mid-1950s, it has declined substantially. Therefore, Option A is the most accurate answer as it reflects this trend. Option B is incorrect, as union membership declined during 1935 through 1955. Option C is incorrect as it is not supported by historical data. Option D is incorrect, as it doesn't reflect the decline in union membership since the mid-1950s.

Question 4

Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The passage states that "the number of women preparing for careers as professionals has increased substantially since the 1980s." Therefore, option C is true.

Option A is incorrect because the passage does not state that there was a large increase in the earnings of women relative to men in the 1960s and 1970s due to anti-employment discrimination legislation.

Option B is incorrect because the passage does not give information about the female/male earnings ratio since 1980.

Option D is incorrect because the passage does not give recent statistics on the number of men and women completing college degrees.

Question 5

Evaluate the following: "Employers who discriminate against women will have lower costs than rival firms that hire employees strictly on the basis of merit (productivity)."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Evaluate the following: "Employers who discriminate against...

Question 6

Women earn less on average than men. Which of the following would be the logical conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Without considering factors such as preferences and productivity, differences in unadjusted mean earnings between men and women cannot necessarily be attributed to employment discrimination. Other factors, such as career choices and work-life balance, may also contribute to differences in earnings between genders.

Question 7

How does competition from nonunion firms and foreign producers affect the ability of a union to increase the wages of its members?

Accepted Answer

Competition from nonunion firms and foreign producers reduces the bargaining power of a union and their ability to negotiate higher wages. Nonunion firms and foreign producers may produce goods at a lower cost and sell them for less, which puts pressure on unionized companies to reduce their prices and costs, including labor costs. This results in a less favorable bargaining position for the union and reduces their ability to achieve wage increases.

Question 8

The F/M earnings ratio for full-time workers

Accepted Answer

The F/M earnings ratio for full-time workers has increased significantly since 1980, reflecting a narrowing of the gender pay gap over the years.

Question 9

Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that never married women tend to earn more than their married counterparts as they have fewer caregiving responsibilities and are more likely to pursue and advance in their careers. A, B, and D are incorrect statements. Discrimination against women can lead to a less diverse workforce and potential legal costs. On average, men work more hours per year than women, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And while the proportion of women preparing for professional careers has increased, the gender wage gap has only narrowed slightly.

Question 10

What percentage of the non-farm labor force in the United States belonged to a labor union in 2010?

Accepted Answer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 12 percent of the non-farm labor force in the United States belonged to a labor union in 2010.

Question 11

"If it were not for employment discrimination against women, the average earnings of men and women would be equal." Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

The answer of "If it were not for employment discrimination...

Question 12

While most industrial categories have experienced a decline in the percentage of workers unionized, which one of the following categories has seen a significant increase in unionization?

Accepted Answer

The government sector has seen a significant increase in unionization, with over 33% of government workers unionized as of 2020. This is due in part to the growth of public sector unions and their ability to collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions.

Question 13

Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, 33.8% of government employees were members of a union, while only 6.3% of private-sector workers belonged to a union. This means that the proportion of government employees belonging to a union is substantially higher than the proportion of private-sector workers who are union members. A is not true because men are more highly unionized than women. B is not true because African-American workers are more highly unionized than white workers. D is not true because there are significant differences in unionization rates across different occupational categories.

Question 14

Which of the following groups is most highly unionized?

Accepted Answer

Government employees have the highest unionization rate among all groups, with over 33% of employees being union members. Private wage and salary workers have a lower unionization rate, at around 6.4%. Technical, sales, and service workers have a slightly higher unionization rate than private wage and salary workers, but still significantly lower than government employees. Women do not represent a specific industry or occupation, so a unionization rate for women as a group cannot be identified.

Question 15

In the years ahead we can expect the F/M earnings ratio to

Accepted Answer

The F/M earnings ratio has been increasing over time due to factors such as improved education and workforce participation among women, and this trend is expected to continue.

Question 16

Why is it NOT surprising that men make up the minority of college graduates?

Accepted Answer

Men are not necessarily discouraged or discriminated against in pursuing higher education. However, due to social and cultural factors, some men may prioritize pursuing physically demanding jobs over attending college. This contributes to a lower percentage of men graduating from college compared to women. Option A is incorrect because discrimination against women actually limits their opportunities and often requires a higher education to overcome. Option B is false and supported by no evidence. Option D may be a factor for a very small percentage of men, but it is not a significant contributing factor to the gender disparity in college graduation rates.

Question 17

Since 1970, union membership, as a percent of the labor force, has

Accepted Answer

Union membership as a percent of the labor force has steadily declined since 1970. In 1970, approximately 24% of the workforce was unionized, but by 2019, only 10.3% of the workforce was unionized. This decline is due to factors such as globalization, automation, and political and legal changes that have made it more difficult for unions to organize and bargain collectively.

Question 18

In 1964 civil rights legislation was passed

Accepted Answer

The 1964 civil rights legislation, specifically Title VII, prohibited employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. This included gender discrimination, making it illegal for employers to pay women less than men for the same work or to refuse to hire or promote women solely because of their gender. However, it did not include any provisions specifically requiring the hiring of female candidates in male-dominated fields. Option A is incorrect because the minimum wage is not dependent on gender. Option B is incorrect because there was no such commission created by this legislation.

Question 19

Traditionally, men have been more willing to accept jobs that

Accepted Answer

All of the above options describe characteristics of traditional male-dominated jobs. Men have historically been expected to be the primary breadwinners for their families, and as a result, have often pursued careers that provide continuous employment, require relocation for better job opportunities, and have long working hours to maximize income.

Question 20

Union membership as a percent of the nonagricultural labor force ____ in 1970 to approximately ____ in 2010.

Accepted Answer

Union membership in the United States has generally declined since the mid-20th century, with membership as a percentage of the nonagricultural labor force falling from about 30 percent in 1970 to around 12 percent in 2010.

Quiz 16: Applying the Basics: Special Topics in Economics

Which of the following factors will make it easier for a labor union to increase the wages of its members?

Most studies indicate that during the last two decades, the wages of union members have been approximately

Which of the following most accurately indicates changes in the size of the union sector in the United States?

Which of the following is true?

Evaluate the following: "Employers who discriminate against women will have lower costs than rival firms that hire employees strictly on the basis of merit (productivity)."

Women earn less on average than men. Which of the following would be the logical conclusion?

How does competition from nonunion firms and foreign producers affect the ability of a union to increase the wages of its members?

The F/M earnings ratio for full-time workers

Which of the following is true?

What percentage of the non-farm labor force in the United States belonged to a labor union in 2010?

"If it were not for employment discrimination against women, the average earnings of men and women would be equal." Is this statement true or false?

While most industrial categories have experienced a decline in the percentage of workers unionized, which one of the following categories has seen a significant increase in unionization?

Which of the following is true?

Which of the following groups is most highly unionized?

In the years ahead we can expect the F/M earnings ratio to

Why is it NOT surprising that men make up the minority of college graduates?

Since 1970, union membership, as a percent of the labor force, has

In 1964 civil rights legislation was passed

Traditionally, men have been more willing to accept jobs that

Union membership as a percent of the nonagricultural labor force in 1970 to approximately in 2010.