Learning Objectives

  • Explain the general shape of the U.S. workforce today.
  • Identify patterns and trends in employment and unemployment.
  • Discuss the role of unions and the issues of wage inequities, discrimination, and stress in the workplace.
  • Apply the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives to workplace issues.
  • Apply specialized theories to workplace issues.
  • Identify steps toward social change for work-related problems.