How Good Jobs Went Bad: A Revealing Look at the Erosion of Quality Work in America

In the post-industrial era, the American workforce has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once-stable, middle-class jobs have disappeared, replaced by low-wage, insecure work. In his groundbreaking book, "How Good Jobs Went Bad," labor economist Alan Blinder examines the causes and consequences of this seismic shift.

In the mid-20th century, America experienced a period of unprecedented economic prosperity. This era saw the rise of well-paid factory jobs that provided workers with a comfortable standard of living. However, in the 1970s, the economy began to falter, and many of these jobs began to disappear.

Blinder argues that this decline was caused by a number of factors, including:

Overload: How Good Jobs Went Bad and What We Can Do about It

by Erin L. Kelly

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1914 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	344 pages
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• Globalization: The rise of global competition made it difficult for American companies to compete on wages.
• Technological change: Automation and other technological advancements led to the displacement of workers in many industries.
• The decline of unions: Unions played a key role in raising wages and improving working conditions. However, in the 1970s, unions began to lose power.

The decline of good jobs has had a profound impact on the American economy. The median income has stagnated, and inequality has increased. Blinder argues that the shift towards low-wage work is unsustainable and will ultimately lead to social instability.

The new economy is characterized by:

• Precarious employment: Workers are increasingly employed in temporary, part-time, or contract-based jobs.
• Low wages: The wages for these jobs are often below the poverty level.
• Lack of benefits: Workers in these jobs often do not receive health insurance, paid time off, or other benefits.

The erosion of good jobs has had a devastating impact on the lives of American workers. Blinder cites numerous studies that show that low-wage work is associated with:

• Poor health: Workers in low-wage jobs are more likely to suffer from health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Mental health problems: Low-wage workers are also more likely to experience mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
• Family instability: Low-wage work can make it difficult for parents to provide for their children.

Blinder concludes his book by outlining a number of policy recommendations that he believes could help to address the problem of low-wage work. These recommendations include:

• Raising the minimum wage: Blinder argues that the minimum wage should be raised to a level that allows workers to support themselves and their families.
• Expanding access to education and training: Blinder argues that workers need access to education and training in Free Download to compete for good jobs.
• Strengthening unions: Blinder argues that unions can play a key role in protecting workers' rights and improving working conditions.
• Investing in infrastructure: Blinder argues that investing in infrastructure can create new jobs and boost the economy.

"How Good Jobs Went Bad" is a timely and important book that sheds light on the crisis of low-wage work in America. Blinder's analysis is clear and compelling, and his policy recommendations are well-reasoned. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing the American economy and the workers who are struggling to make ends meet.

Overload: How Good Jobs Went Bad and What We Can Do about It

by Erin L. Kelly

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE