Economics (9-1) - 0987 CIE

Workers Continued

Overview

Why does a surgeon earn far more than a cleaner, or a worker in one city more than the same worker in another? Wages are not random: they are set by the demand for and supply of labour, by bargaining power, by discrimination and by government policy.

In this lesson you will explain why wages differ between jobs, sectors and groups, see how easily workers can move between occupations and places, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the division of labour. By the end you will be able to analyse any wage difference like an economist.

Objectives

  1. reasons for differences: - demand for and supply of labour - relative bargaining strengths - discrimination, e.g. male/female - government policy
  2. how these reasons influence the wages of workers, depending on: - level of skills of workers - economic sector workers operate in: primary/secondary/tertiary - discrimination between workers, e.g. male/female - whether the worker is working in the private sector or public sector
  3. causes of changes in the occupational and geographical mobility of labour
  4. consequences of changes in the occupational and geographical mobility of labour
  5. definition of division of labour (worker specialisation)
  6. advantages and disadvantages of division of labour

Lesson Note

Most people's living standards depend on the wage they can earn. Understanding what drives wages explains real-world questions: why skills pay, why some industries are stuck with low pay, why a gender pay gap persists, and why a minimum wage exists. These are exactly the wage-differential and labour-mobility questions the syllabus tests.

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Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Workers Continued. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. Skilled workers usually earn more than unskilled workers mainly because: A. they work longer hours B. their labour is in lower supply and higher demand C. they pay less tax D. they are geographically mobile Answer: B
  2. Occupational mobility of labour refers to the ease of moving between: A. different countries B. different places to live C. different types of job D. different employers in one job Answer: C
  3. Which is a disadvantage of the division of labour? A. higher productivity B. lower quality of output C. work becoming repetitive and boring D. workers becoming experts Answer: C
  4. A strong trade union can raise its members' wages by increasing their: A. occupational immobility B. bargaining strength C. supply of labour D. tax rate Answer: B
  5. Geographical immobility of labour can cause: A. lower wages for skilled workers only B. regional unemployment and unfilled vacancies elsewhere C. faster economic growth D. an increase in the supply of all labour Answer: B

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Full lesson notes with diagrams
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Available on the Green Bridge App

Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.

Full lesson notes with diagrams
AI-powered learning assistant
Study offline, anytime, anywhere
Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux

Practice Mock Questions

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